Summit Boys Swimming: Defying the Odds Despite a Smaller Roster
The Summit boys swimming team graduated nearly half of its roster this past school year, yet expectations and goals remain steadfast for the Hilltoppers. Even as several Union County programs steadily emerge as formidable opponents due to their returning talent, Summit isn’t making any excuses. The team aims to prove that their smaller roster—currently just 17 swimmers—won’t hold them back against some of the best teams in the state.
In a crucial Union County Conference (UCC) matchup on Wednesday, Summit faced a tough challenge from New Providence, a team they haven’t lost to in recent memory. The Pioneers closed the gap to 50-44 against the Hilltoppers, threatening to upset Summit’s dominance. However, that was as close as New Providence would get. Summit held strong and ultimately secured a critical 94-76 victory over the spirited Pioneers at the Jersey Aquatic Center in New Providence.
“We were really motivated to swim today,” said junior Yehor Maistruk. “The last four years, it was easier for us to win because we had more guys on the team. Right now, it’s more difficult for us, but we’re still motivated to beat the guys from New Providence. We have so many friends from that school, and it was just great to swim against them.”
Maistruk, the reigning state champion in the breaststroke, continued his impressive performance by winning both the 200 IM (2:04.12) and the breaststroke (1:02.90). He also helped lead the winning 200 medley relay team, which finished first overall with a time of 1:41.07. The relay included teammates Michael Madden, Declan Vargas, and Ryan Fox.
Summit (3-1) has already qualified its 200 medley relay for the Meet of Champions (MOCs), securing their spot with a time of 1:40.75 in a meet against Gov. Livingston on Tuesday.
In addition, Maistruk, Vargas, Pietro Bonnie, and Ryan Fox teamed up to take first place in the 200 freestyle relay with a time of 1:33.38. Vargas also earned a first-place finish in the 100 fly (53.33), while freshman Callum McDonagh snagged first in the 500 freestyle with a time of 5:35.97.
This story is still in progress. Please check back later for more updates.
https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/12/new-look-summit-boys-swimming-overcomes-early-challenge-defeats-new-providence.html
