The Clarkstown boys swim team sent their upper classmen out on a high note for Senior Day as it defeated Nyack 89-51 at Felix Festa Middle School Tuesday.
For seniors Colin Farrell, Luke Graney and Evan Hurwitz, the victory was bittersweet.
"It was not only just a swim meet, but realizing that this was going to be the last time we'll be here as a full team together competing all as one," Farrell said. "So we realized we had to make the best out of a bad situation. Even though it's going to be upsetting to leave everybody, it's going to be time to move on and start our actual lives out of high school."
Farrell, a captain, said he will be taking the test to become a member of the Air Force next month and also hopes to use his energy and swimming skills as a rescue swimmer. Both Farrell and Hurwitz are in their sixth year swimming for Clarkstown, which improved to 3-4.
Farrell reflected back on his memories of former coach Keith Furey, who passed away in 2011.
"I took a huge step back in my swimming when the head coach of the team and a personal friend of mine passed away when I was going into my junior year," Farrell said. "He was the head coach of the team for multiple years, and he was the head coach when I started swimming with the team. But I ended up swimming through it and realizing that every race that I had was going to be dedicated to him."
Clarkstown held an early 12-2 lead after the team of Andrew Tsuei, Farrell, Matt Kishinevsky and James Furey won the 200 medley relay. Freshman Emil Pallatta won the 200 freestyle.
Nyack freshman Adi Angel finished second in the 100 backstroke and third in the 100 butterfly. He said he was impressed by the performances of teammates Harrison Santana and Ricardo Sanchez. Angel said he wants to improve his technique.
"I'm trying to work on my underwaters and my turns a lot because I know turns help a lot during the race," Angel said.
With sectionals looming, Clarkstown coach Theo Tomljanovich said he expects Farrell to score in the 100 breaststroke and contribute to two relay teams. Clarkstown finished second in last season's section meet.
"We're not going to be as good as last year, but we'll look to try to go top 10," Tomljanovich said.
