The Great Neck South High School Rebels swim team had a very impressive season, winning eight out of nine meets. The only loss was against Syosset, 93–92.
The many notable divers and swimmers that make up the team attribute its success to all the hard work and dedication the participants put in during the season.
The 200-meter relay team consists of captains Andy Lee and Chris Lei, Josh Liu and sophomore Justin Whang. The team has been undefeated for the past few years and has won county and state competitions. A new record was set in both state and county with a time of 1:34:18.
Sophomore Nick Shen won the diving championship at the county level for the second time. He also won the title of Best Diver on Long Island, placing 10th in the New York State swim meet.
Records were broken by Lee and Shen. Lee set a record in the 100-yard butterfly in 2019 with a time of 48.13. In 2018, he set a record in the 50-yard freestyle with 20.38, in the 100-yard breaststroke with 56.37 and in the 100-yard freestyle with 45.08. Shen set a diving record with 294.08 in 2019.
At this year’s state swim meet, the Rebels came in second overall for public schools, just short of first place by six points, losing to Niskayuna High School.
South High swim team members won and placed in several competitions. The Rebels won first place in the 200-meter relay. Lee also earned first place in the 50-yard freestyle and the 100-yard butterfly. Whang came in second in the 200-individual medley and 11th in the 100-yard butterfly. Chen placed 10th in diving. South High’s 200-yard freestyle relay came in sixth overall and third among public schools.
Coach James Morrow said in addition to the team’s hard work contributing to its success, the great leadership of captains Lee, Lei and Erick Zizic kept the team motivated and focused to reach its goals.
“They helped the younger swimmers and set great examples throughout the season,” said Morrow. “Their commitment and dedication to the team, their sport and their school was extraordinary.”
Nine seniors will be graduating from this team this year, including those who represented the Rebels swim team in both county and state. In addition, other seniors, including Joe Kim, Kyle Law and Jon Nelson Nacar, contributed to the Rebels’ successes and helped the team to an 8–1 record, placing them as runners up for the county championship. Other swimmers who participated in the state competition are Franco D’aliosio and Logan Hou.
Though the team will be sad to see these teammates graduate, the underclass team members feels that they will be successful again next year.
“[The Rebels] know they have big shoes to fill and are ready to take on the challenge,” said Morrow.
