ALL HANDS ON DECK: Members of the Princeton High boys’ and girls’ swimming team enjoy the moment as they gathered together during a recent meet. The PHS swimmers will next be in action when they compete in Colonial Valley Conference (CVC) championships with the finals slated for January 24 at WW/P-North. (Photo by Frank Jacobs III)
By Bill Alden
Shawn Elwood was all smiles as he went through his Senior Day ceremony for the Princeton High boys’ swim team last Wednesday as it hosted Steinert.
For PHS senior co-captain Elwood, competing for the program has been a major highlight of his high school years.
“I think out of all the things I have been involved with at PHS, swim has probably been one of the most beneficial,” said Elwood. “I really think it is almost like a second family. I have been growing with these guys the last four years. I never did club so this is all I had for swimming and I was really able to grow as a swimmer and as a leader and a captain. It has been a really great experience.”
As a serious triathlete, Elwood believes that swimming with the PHS program has helped him excel in that pursuit.
“Swim training is really important, it is an overlooked aspect of the triathlon,” said Elwood. “Even just knowing all of these people has helped with cross training.”
Some extra training this summer has helped Elwood make a jump in his final campaign for the Tigers.
“I did a little bit of work outside of school with a triathlon coach leading up to the season which helped out a lot,” said Elwood. “I am really happy with how much progress I have made.”
In the meet against Steinert, Elwood showed that progress as he placed first in the 100-yard freestyle and second in the 200 free to help the Tigers prevail 114-52.
“That was one of my first times doing the 200 free,” said Elwood. “I just wanted to try it out. I am more of a sprinter.”
Elwood culminated the meet by helping his 400 free relay take first.
“That was fun, I loved doing the 400 free relay with all of my friends, brother Darren, and anchoring too,” said Elwood. “It is a great feeling.”
On Friday, Elwood and the Tigers had a great day as they defeated Notre Dame 107-63 to improve to 7-2. In upcoming action, PHS will be looking for its fourth straight title when it competes in the Colonial Valley Conference (CVC) championships with the finals slated for January 24 at WW/P-North.
“I am really excited for the CVCs,” said Elwood. “I think we are definitely in the running. I think we have a good shot.”
PHS head coach Pat Remboski is really proud of his senior group that includes Kaden Li, Liam Duneier, and Rex Zhang in addition to Elwood.
“They are great, they are important members to have on the team,” said Remboski. “They calm everybody down and create the sense of ease on the pool deck.”
Remboski creates Elwood making great strides over his PHS career.
“Shawn has improved exponentially, we couldn’t be prouder of him,” said Remboski. “He has really figured out the recipe of what it takes and just really understanding the importance of consistency. He has been super consistent. I think that speaks to the guy he is and the results he has had.”
The Tigers showed the consistency in the win over Steinert. “It is always fun to honor the seniors, give them a good send off and let them swim the events they want to swim,” said Remboski. “We were impressed all around. It was just a great team win.”
Looking ahead, PHS will need some more great swims as it gets into postseason action with the CVC meet followed by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) state tournament.
“It is tough on a three-meet week,” said Remboski, whose team edged Lawrence 86-84 on January 12 in addition to the wins over Steinert and Notre Dame. “Then we are trying to taper at the same time and get ready for the CVC and then states after counties. It has been fun and challenging on both the coaching side and their side because it is pretty demanding.”
Elwood, for his part, believes the Tigers will be up for those challenges.
“It is a young team, it is an interesting dynamic to be a senior on a young team,” said Elwood. “I try and find a way to take them under my wing. On a young team, it is going to be difficult at CVCs. I think we can pull it together, we still have a little more time.”