UPDATE: St. John’s Prep has just clinched the North sectional championship in a thrilling finish at Boston University’s Fitness and Recreation Center, securing back-to-back titles with a staggering 240.5 points. This victory, achieved on July 15, 2023, came down to the wire during the final relay, where senior swimmer Wes Ross delivered a heroic performance in the 400-yard freestyle relay.
With the pressure mounting, Ross fought hard, pushing himself to the limit as he watched competitors surge ahead. “I was just thinking, ‘Go faster. Pick it up,’” Ross stated, demonstrating the urgency of the moment. His incredible anchor leg propelled the Eagles to a first-place finish in 3:15.38, outpacing rivals Wayland (212 points) and Mystic Valley Charter (209 points).
Ross, who also finished second in the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 4:47.65, expressed his excitement after the race, “After the [400 free] relay, I saw my teammates going crazy. I was super excited.” The emotional stakes were high, not just for Ross, but for the entire St. John’s Prep team, which thrived on the relay format, prioritizing teamwork over individual accolades.
In a meet characterized by nail-biting finishes, St. John’s Prep’s relay teams consistently shone. Along with Ross, Brendan Titley, Brian Desmarais, and Declan MacDonald contributed to the winning time in the 200 freestyle relay, finishing in 1:28.44. Titley also placed second in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 46.71, showcasing the depth of talent within the squad.
Head coach Jeff Fiore praised the team’s relay victories, stating, “I love winning relays — that’s our favorite thing to win.” The excitement was palpable, as the meet had the entire team on edge, with every swimmer aware that their performance could tip the balance in favor of their team. “We don’t have many meets where we’re sweating it out until the very end, so it’s always fun when the stakes are high going into that last relay,” Fiore added.
In addition to their relay successes, St. John’s Prep also saw contributions from sophomores Tommy Macari and Liam Garland, who secured sixth and eighth places, respectively, in the 1-meter diving event. This collective effort underscored the team’s unity and determination, as every point counted toward their championship total.
As the dust settles on this thrilling competition, fans of St. John’s Prep can celebrate a remarkable season. The team’s next focus will be on upcoming competitions, where they will aim to build on this momentum and continue their successful run.
Keep an eye on developments as the Eagles prepare to defend their title in future meets, showcasing their resilience and dedication to the sport. The community is buzzing with excitement, and it’s clear that St. John’s Prep is a powerhouse in the making.
