Berlin Swimmers Have Been Solid So Far

The Berlin swim team proved it is more than a one-man team in its latest victory. The Redcoats are now 3-1 on the season.

The Redcoats trailed and needed a first and third place finish to win the meet against East Catholic. Not only did Berlin get the first place it needed when the team of Ryan Marquis, Martin Rathousky, Fazli Bozal and Dan Klotz finished first but the team of Tom Drozdzowski, Jey Soucy, Adrian Wojtun and Wojciech Kajzer took third to give Berlin an amazing 94-91 win over the Eagles.

Klotz is the clear star of the team but he can't win meets by himself. He has been bolstered by a team that is growing deeper with each meet. Klotz swims in the 50, 100 and 200 free and the 100 fly. He made Berlin High School history, becoming the first swimmer to capture a State Open championship. But, he didn't stop there, he won both the 200 free and the 100 butterfly and earned All American honors in both events as well. He is unbeaten on the season in any race.

Senior captain Nathan Giaccone is an excellent diver but he has help in the diving event from James Sanders.

Senior captain Ryan Marquis has been strong on the 50, 100, 200 and 500 free.

Adrian Wojtun has been solid in the distant events, winning the 500 freestyle against East Catholic.

Others who Berlin counts on and their events are:

• Ryan Marquis, 50, 100, 200 and 500 free
• Nathan Giaccone, Diving, Record  holder in 11 dives and state qualifier
• Tom Drozdzowski, Butterfly and Freestyle events
• Luke Switzer, Breaststroke
• Fazli Bozal, freestyle
• Brian Kennure, Butterfly and freestyle events

"Our team strength is our positive attitude, great work ethic and our determination to succeed," Coach Dan Thurston said. "We are bringing in a large group of new swimmers that are enthusiastic and ready to work hard to meet with success. Our weakness would be in the previous experience of our athletes.

"Our goal this year is to improve upon the growth that our returning swimmers experienced last year and to qualify new swimmers and divers for states. We are looking forward to a fantastic season with a great group of guys. Our senior leaders set a strong example for our large group of new swimmers.  They are working very hard already and are a tight-knit determined group."