By TJ Murphy ‘20

On Tuesday, Jan. 6, the Brother Rice swimming and diving team took on the Caravan of Mount Carmel. The Crusaders finished the night victorious on varsity and junior varsity levels, and there were many impressive races from all of the Crusaders.

This night was special because it was Senior Night, where all the swimming seniors can reminisce about all they have done the past four years and finish their last home meet with a bang. These seniors include Owen Greybill, Andrew Cwik, Seth Miller, Ryan Kopale, and TJ Murphy.

Senior swimmer Owen Greybill commented that the Brother Rice Swim Program. “It was a great program that has kept me in shape all 4 years, and it has shaped me into the person I am today.” Owen swam varsity as a freshman, and he had to keep up many great expectations held by his coaches.

Senior swimmer Andrew Cwik thanked the program for all it’s done for him. “Swimming has been a great way to have a fun time with some friends while still keeping me in peak condition. The people I’ve met have all made an impact on me in some way. I learned that there are always opportunities to better yourself; all you need to know is how to take them,” said Cwik.

Ryan Kopale reflected on his four years as a swimmer: “My time as a swimmer has been super short, but it feels like forever. I remember walking in as a freshman and now I’m here talking about Senior Night. It’s a pretty surreal moment.”

With any team, good leaders are necessary. Coach Pat Cunningham swam as a senior when the current seniors were freshmen:  “I was really glad I swam with these kids before I coached them. Since I’m new at coaching, being comfortable with my team right off the bat has been a huge advantage.”

After the meet, the Crusaders had a huge dinner to celebrate 4 years of swimming. Per tradition, senior Seth Miller passed down a plastic Shrek figure to sophomore Jack Byrne for safekeeping, the very same figure that’s been passed down for 5 years. The Shrek figure has stood watch over the Brother Rice pool, giving the pool it’s more well-known name, “The Swamp.”

Huge thanks to the seniors for all their hard work and dedication!