As the winter athletic season came to a close, several athletes earned remarkable and memorable accomplishments in sports such as winter track, swimming and wrestling.
In indoor track, many congratulations were sent out to exceptional Boro athletes who ranked high in the state at NJSIAA Meet of Champions, the individual high school state championships. Junior Daniel Tobia and Chloe Montgomery placed sixth in New Jersey in the 55-meter dash and the long jump, respectively. Several other athletes placed sixth including seniors Mike Bynes, Ben Wolen, Brian Stampoulus and Nihar Tantr, in the 4 x 4 relay, setting a school record performance. On February 14, Daniel Tobia set a school record and won the 55 at the last state sectional championships. Runners Up were Angela Volkova in the shot, Nihar Tantry in the 800 and Emma Stibitz in the 400. Other qualifiers for the group meet include Cira Palmera, Debbie Ozokpor, Ava Lucariello, Michael Bynes, Ben Wolen and Brian Stampoulos.
Senior Mike Bynes shared his thoughts on how he was feeling about his season’s goals. “Honestly, I felt accomplished, especially because the team and I had been working so hard during the season in order to meet that goal. We knew that we were able to do it, so seeing it happen gave a very fulfilling and rewarding feeling.”
Coach Richard Refi led the team to many victories. “We set a number of school records, earned six medals at the overall state championships and qualified a number of people for the national championships.” Coach Refi said.
In swimming, there were 16 swimmers that competed over the weekend at the Meet of Champions. Key highlights that really stood out from the boys were senior Derin Ozbas, who finished in 6th place in the 100-yard freestyle as well as junior John Eodice, who finished third place in the 500-freestyle. For the girls, junior Dylan Briones finished sixth place in the 200-Individual Medley.
Boro recently celebrated a state champion with sophomore Emily Sudol. Emily is the overall state champion in the 200-yard Individual Medley. Emily is the first individual state champion since 2016 for the swim team. Emily also took fourth place in the 500 freestyle. Sudol shared some of her favorite parts of her season. “My favorite moment was being with my team at the Meet of Champions this year,” Sudol said. Boro’s relay teams qualified for finals with Marielle Colipano, Emily Sudol, Dylan Briones and Tammy Leng swimming the 200 Medley Relay and the 400 Freestyle Relay. “I was very proud of the girls and everything we accomplished this year as a team. It was very special to make it back to finals and share that moment with them, and I would not have wanted to be on the podium with anyone else,” Sudol said.
Besides reigning undefeated in the 200-Individual Medley and taking fourth in the 500 freestyle, Sudol was the Somerset County Champion in both events.
Sudol’s teammates also racked up the accolades. Junior John Eodice broke the school record in the 500 yard Freestyle, and his time is also the fastest in the state of NJ at the moment. Hillsborough Boys Swimming advanced and achieved their 5th consecutive Central Jersey State Sectional Championship Title. The boys moved on to swim in the State Semi Final Championship achieving an award to wrap their season.
In wrestling, senior Logan McDermid and Junior Nick Duarte qualified to compete at the New Jersey State Wrestling Championships in Atlantic City in early March. McDermind shared a highlight from the weekend. “My favorite moment at NJ States was hanging out and going out to eat with my teammates at the hotel.” Mcdermid said. McDermid also plans to continue his wrestling career as a walk-on at Bucknell. Boro Wrestling ended their season 15-11 in the Skyland conference.
As the winter season wrapped up, the spring season is underway including Baseball, Lacrosse, softball, spring track, field hockey, boys volleyball, boys tennis and golf. Go to the school website for the schedule to attend a game and root on the Raiders.
