by Katie Vasquez
This is the last practice of the season for these 63 male swimmers, the athletes, like Connor O’Neill, hoping to perfect their form at the pool in Erasmus Hall educational campus.
“The freestyle I’m kind of working with, backstroke too and my diving,” said Connor O’Neill, a member of Holy Name Boys Swim Team.
Connor’s grandfather and uncle were also part of this team made up of kids from Brooklyn, and sponsored by Holy Name of Jesus parish, but there was a time when Connor himself was almost unable to continue the tradition.
“We’re very fortunate that Connor’s been able to take on the helm of family members prior to him,” said Connor’s father, Sean O’Neill.
The male swimmers took a nearly 30-year hiatus.
“The boys team folded in the 90s. The season conflicts a bit with basketball and so boys in the parish at that time were interested in playing basketball. So they weren’t showing up to practice,” said Holy Name Boy swim team head coach, Alexandra Penfold.
Before Holy Name finally brought the team back in 2023, and the athletes took to the sport like a duck to water.
Just a few weeks ago, they earned medals at the Catholic Youth Organization Olympics.
“Two of our swimmers got gold in their events and a couple of our relays got silver and one of our relays got bronze,” said Penfold.
Their practice paying off as they hone their skills, and grow together.
“I’ve learned a lot about confidence and teamwork,” said Cooper Kim, a member of Holy Name Boys Swim team.
The athletes now look forward to competing at the Class A and B championships this weekend.
“I really didn’t think that we would, do very well in championships or olympics. It’s because we were a team that started, like, only a year ago. and I was very surprised at, like, the results,” said Kim.
“The crowd is like cheering you on. Every time someone is right next to you and that’s your last lap, the crowd will go crazy,” said O’Neill.
The team is hoping to grow and get better, as they look ahead to the next season.
For more information on the team, head to their website: https://holynameswimteam.weebly.com/