Boys Swim Team Lets Go of Their Anchor

This year the boys’ swim team has splashed new records – going from sub-par seasons the past few years to having an outstanding season. With the addition of new talented swimmers to the team – a record breaking 33 members – and a new assistant coach, the team has proven itself to be another dominating powerhouse of athleticism in BHS.

The boys proved themselves early in the season by winning the Cape Cod Classic League in December, a tournament they have only ever placed as high as third in. Senior Captain Ben Bancroft believes it is the “heart and soul” of the swimmers that is the root of their success, “it’s a team effort, we all do our part,” said Bancroft.

This is Bancroft’s fifth year on the team and he attributes success to new members such as Liam Russo and Chris Richards, and new assistant coach Tim McGrath. Russo and Richards both dedicate a great deal of their time to the sport, swimming year round and for club teams. Senior Jack Riley says they bring really fast times and a lot of points.

Tim McGrath was part of the Barnstable Boys’ swim team from 2004 to 2008, this being his first season as the assistant coach for the team. McGrath believes their success is not a fluke, believing it is the new swimmers and younger swimmers who are getting much faster, “There are a lot of talented guys who swim year round,” he said.

“I bring different experiences to the team – high school and college,” McGrath said. Senior member Tom Sancez also believes it is McGrath’s experience that has helped out the team, “He has different drills for us that has made us improve over the course of the season,” he said.

Junior Picabo Miskiv of the Barnstable girl’s swim team also notices a positive change to the team, “There are a lot of dedicated, fresh swimmers who bring a new spirit to the team,” she said.

In early February the team placed first out of eight teams in the Bay Colony Championship. A week later, the team had semi-finals, where they competed well enough to progress to states. States will take place after Insight’s deadline cycle wraps up.

The boys swim team is ending the season strongly, setting a new standard for next season. Bancroft has full faith in the team doing just as good, if not better, next season. “The other seniors and I may be leaving this team, but the heart and soul I and the others have worked to instill into this organization will always remain. There is a lot of talent that will be hard to beat next year,” he said.