The Bayonne Mermaid-Starfish Swim Team made waves in the New Jersey Junior Olympic Swimming Championships, contested at Rutgers University in the Sonny Werblin Aquatic Center from July 30 to Aug. 2. The team won five events in the Boys 13 to 14 Age Group, copped two seconds, and a third place award. A total of 10 swimmers distinguished themselves by qualifying for their event finals and contributing to the team’s scoring totals.
Zachary Hyman, who will enter the freshmen class at Bayonne High School in September, led the Starfish by winning four of the six freestyle events. The BMS team “Iron Man” award winner lived up to his nickname by capturing the 100 meter, 200 meter, 400 meter and 1,500 meter freestyle races, all in personal best times. He also placed second in the 800 meter and fourth in the 50 meter freestyle events. Hyman was third in total points earned, and just missed winning the Swimmer of the Meet award.
The other Bayonne Starfish winner was Jack Long, who bested the field in a very tight finish in the 100 meter breaststroke. Qualifying for the race finale in the fifth spot, Long came from behind to win at the finish by a scant three-hundredths of a second, lowering his best time by nearly four seconds. Long, who will also enter BHS in the fall, took second place in the 200 meter freestyle as well, trailing Hyman.
A standout for the Bayonne squad was Andrew William, who swam a heavy event schedule that included strong 200 and 400 individual medley swims, two butterfly finals, and the 1,500 meter freestyle events. His best finish was third in the 100 meter butterfly, along with two fourth place finishes and three more top 10 finishes.
Another notable performer for the Starfish was backstroke specialist Omar Hassan, who improved his 100 and 200 meter backstroke times, with the former good for third place in the 100 meter backstroke.
In addition, Bayonne Starfish swimmer Ali Hassan improved in his performances, recording personal best times in the men’s 15 and older 50 and 100 meter freestyle races. Hassan is bound for St. Peter’s College on an athletic scholarship in September.
Bayonne High School junior Mohamed Nouser also notched career bests in his specialty event, the backstroke, and swam a critical leg on relays earning team points.
Another team highlight was the announcement of Bayonne Mermaid-Starfish coach Mohamed Abdelaal as the New Jersey Swimming Coach of the Year. The award is a significant honor and a considerable accomplishment for the first year head coach.
The Bayonne Mermaid-Starfish team has qualified five swimmers for the Eastern United States Zone Championships, to be held at Penn State University. They will complete their season in competition against swimmers from Maine to Virginia.