With a current record of 6-2 in the regular season, the Pirates swim team is looking to advance to playoffs. With a recent win against Audobon (115-45), the Pirates are third in the Bering Sea division. 

Although the team faces obstacles in opponents like Haddon Heights and Paul VI, the team’s camaraderie makes each race and challenge easier. As a freshman on the team, Eden McNally said the optimism has been helpful.

“Everyone’s so positive,” McNally said. “Even if you had a bad race, everyone cheers you on and tells you you did great.”

McNally said she hopes the team’s enthusiasm continues to move the team forward. Recently McNally broke the 34 year old school record in the 100-backstroke.

In addition, seniors Mason Dranchak and Noah Machristie and juniors Brenden Fratto and Bryce Bastien broke the school record for the 200-medley relay.

Machristie, a senior, has committed to swim at the Division I level next season at the University of Maine. According to Machristie, his training consists of swimming six times a week – practicing every stroke.

“It ranges from every stroke and the yardage ranges,” Machristie said about his training routine. “It’s usually anywhere between like five and twenty yards a week.” 

Machristie said his goal to swim at the Division I level was a lengthy task. In addition to training multiple times a week, Machristie had to reach out to many college coaches.

“It was a long process that took a lot of reaching out,” he said. “There’s many times where people don’t answer you.” 

Despite these challenges, Machristie said it was worth it in the end. Head coach Collin Canfield remarks on Machristie’s achievements. 

“I mean that’s a sign of some serious talent,” Canfield said. “Going to a D1 school is not an easy task, and it’s something many swimmers don’t get the opportunity to do.” 

Along with his positive attitude towards Machristie’s accomplishments, Coach Canfield conveyed that his ultimate goal for the team is to make it to the sectional final meet.