As time has handed, the trophy case at Latin Academy has develop into considerably … cluttered?
Maybe that’s too robust of a phrase. Stockpiled may match the invoice a bit higher.
One of the essential causes? Well, let’s simply say Richard Mojica’s swim groups have performed a key position in that through the years, and on Thursday, his group made historical past as soon as once more.
Melinda Field, Diego Alzamora, Ella Hamilton and Christopher Stephenson blazed to a first-place time of two:01.40 within the 200-yard medley relay to open the night. The Dragons have been by no means challenged from that time onward, racking up 146 factors as Latin Academy clinched its newest Boston City League co-ed swimming championship at Madison Park Technical Vocational High School.
For some purpose or one other, it simply looks like historical past tends of repeating itself 12 months in, 12 months out at this meet, and it didn’t take lengthy for followers to get that very same feeling.
Jack Mogan (2:12.34) and Mabel Gallagher (2:22.71) proceeded to complete first and second, respectively, within the ensuing 200 freestyle. Then, Alzamora captured first-place honors within the 200 IM (2:23.63), and the Dragons have been off and operating, already with a snug 25-point lead within the standings.
“It feels amazing,” stated an emotional Alzamora. “We’ve worked all season for this. I love these people like my family. I’m really proud of us today, and what we’ve done here.”
Mogan’s banner night time continued within the 50 freestyle, as he was named the boys champion after putting first (25.66 seconds) in a area of 35 contestants. Latin Academy sophomore Alexis Millman gained the ladies title, ending sixth total in 29.39.
It was a clear sweep when it got here to particular person honors for Latin Academy. Alzamora additionally went on to win the five hundred freestyle (5:48.18) whereas anchoring the Dragons to a victory within the 400 freestyle relay (4:02.39). For his efforts, the senior was chosen because the BCL Boys Swimmer of the Meet.
Meanwhile, Field was chosen because the Girls Swimmer of the Meet for Latin Academy. In addition to her efficiency within the 200 medley relay, the sophomore completed second within the 100 backstroke (1:10.84) and third within the 200 IM (2:43.51). By the time the meet concluded, Latin Academy had outpaced its competitors within the area by 68 factors.
“I honestly wasn’t expecting it,” Field stated. “I’m really grateful that I was able to get this honor. I think everybody worked really hard this season. I feel like I worked my hardest this season, and I’m very proud of myself right now.”
Marquis Francois additionally made headlines amongst particular person athletes, successful the 100 butterfly (1:02.87) and the 100 backstroke (1:03.40) for O’Bryant.
Had it not been for a wierd occasion just a few years again during which Latin Academy misplaced a BCL swimming championship off a disqualification, this may have marked 29 consecutive titles for this system.
Following the ceremonies after the meet, Mojica may solely chuckle because the Dragons slowly walked over to him, and started serenading. A becoming finish to a historic day, because the coach was celebrating his 54th birthday.
“One of the things for these guys is that they’re a good group,” Mojica stated. “They’re a good team. In a lot of years, we have had a lot of good swimmers. This year, we have a good team. I thought that was built by them, getting to practice on their own, stuff like that. That builds a lot of character, a lot of grit.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com