Published in the January 26, 2018 edition
BAND OF brothers: The Melrose Red Raider swim team picked up another win this week with a victory over Somerville. (Donna Larsson photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose Red Raider swim team picked up another win this week when they defeated the Somerville High swim team, 82-75 on Monday at Kennedy School in Somerville. Melrose earned several first place finishes, including all three relay teams, to swim to victory.
It’s been a busy and productive season for Melrose, who may not boast state-medalist standouts this season but roster a collection of multi-sport competitors who are mentally and physically up to the challenge.
“This is the biggest group I’ve had,” said longtime coach Dick Whitworth at a recent home meet. “They’re a large group of very hard workers who support each other and stay competitive.”
On Monday, Melrose started the day against Somerville with a first place finish in the 200 medley relay by Sam Foley, Connor McDaid, Tom Steinberg and Patrick Donahue, which gave Melrose a quick 10-4 lead. Sebastian Monzon took the 200 free and that gave Melrose a lead of 18-12, while Tom Steinberg’s second place finish in the 200 IM kept Melrose ahead 25-18.
Melrose swept the 50 free with Sam Foley clinching first and Will McCarthy placing second, and then a first place finish by Tom Steinberg in the 100 fly helped Melrose maintain a 48-26 lead. Melrose swept the 100 freestyle behind the swimming of Sebastian Monzon (1st) Eamon Burke (2nd) and Thiago Nunes (3). Melrose maintained a big edge when Colin Mullane placed first in the 500 free.
Melrose continued to roll, this time in the 200 free relay, sweeping the top two spots. Placing first were Colin Coyne, Owen Markham, Will McCarthy and Ethan Prospere. Placing second were Pat Donahue, Thiago Nunes, Conlan Cesar and Mike Tormo. Melrose also clinched the 100 back behind the efforts of Sam Foley and placed second in the 100 breast thanks to Connor McDaid. As a finale, Melrose’s 400 free relay clinched first behind the swimming of Tom Steinberg, Thiago Nunes, Patrick Donahue and Sam Foley.
Melrose traveled to Malden High on January 18 to face the Golden Tornadoes. Despite the loss, the Red Raiders saw a lot of personal bests. Shaving time off their races were Sam Foley in the 200 free, Devin McDaid in the 200 IM, Will McCarthy, Cameron White and Conlan Cesar in the 500 free. Eammon Burke took time off his 100 free and Tom Steinberg took a second off his 100 fly. Patrick Donahue took ten seconds off his 100 back and Gabriel Monzon took off nearly 13 seconds.
Last Friday, the hard working Raiders were once again in the pool, battling the always-tough Reading Rockets, who prevailed over Melrose, 88-63. The meet was not without it’s highlights, as Melrose earned many second place finishes including: Tom Steinberg in the 100 fly, Sam Foley in the 100 free and their relay teams, the 200 medley (Foley, McDaid, Steinberg and Donahue) the 400 free (Conlan Cesar, Owen Markham, Ethan Prospere and Gabriel Monzon) and 200 free (Sebastian Monzon, Will McCarthy, Tom Steinberg and Sean Foley).
Personal improvement is what coach Whitworth is focused on. “These guys are working hard, in great shape and making personal bests every day. It’s a great group to coach.”
Melrose next hosts Winchester on Wednesday (post deadline) and they are keeping one eye on the Middlesex League Meet which will be held February 1.
