Young Bloods Refresh Boys’ Swimming

Is younger faster? This year, boys’ varsity swimming, one of Deerfield’s most successful teams, seeks to explore that notion, with underclassmen making huge contributions to the team in points and work ethic.

Quinn Smith ’14 is the fastest swimmer on the team for the 200-meter individual medley and the 100-meter breaststroke. As Smith put it, “Having new, talented swimmers is helpful to both this and future seasons.”

Freshman Matt Hrabchak comes to the team with impressive swimming experience. Last year he won the New England Championship for his club swimming league in the mile, 1,000-yard, and 500-yard freestyle, qualifying for the Junior National Championships. This year, he is the number one swimmer for the 200 and 500-meter freestyle events. So far, Hrabchak has had a positive experience swimming in the Koch Pool. “It’s a good team. Everyone’s willing to put a lot of effort into our goal of winning New England’s,” he said.

Motts “Pistol” Warnock ’14, who swims the 50-meter freestyle, also adds talent to the roster. Travis Russell ’14, along with Warnock, adds breadth to a talented group of sprinters, while Alan Tang ’15 and Alan Lam ’14 build on the strength of the long-distance swimmers.

Both Smith and Hrabchak praise their coaches, including Head Coach John Burke and Assistant Coach Wayne Berger. Hrabchack proclaimed, “Our coaches are very passionate about their coaching positions and help us strive to do better.”

The team, young and old, endures long practices and competitive meets as they strive to achieve their overall goal of taking home the gold at the New England Championship.