2007 Westfield Boys Swimming Group A finals

In five enthralling days last week, the Westfield Boys Swimming team experienced the gamut of emotions, ranging from the exhilaration of beating arch rival Bridgewater Raritan in the section finals to the exasperation of coming up just short in the state finals, losing 89-81 to Cherry Hill West (CHW) Sunday at the College of New Jersey.

Even though the Blue Devils failed to extend their state record for public school championships to 21, first year coach Jeff Knight was satisfied that his team expended every ounce of energy all week.

“I am extremely proud of the effort our guys put in down at the finals. We had countless great swims and our guys put up a lot of best times,” said Knight.

“We may have lost to a good team but we come away from the meet not defeated but motivated to work hard towards next year.”

The meet went back and forth with several momentum swings and five lead changes.
The Blue Devils got off to a good start when the group of Freshman Matt Meserole, Senior Phil Anton, Sophomore Chris DeLaFuente and Senior Luke Baran. won the
200 medley relay in a season-best 1:42.40,
With CHW holding a 48-46 lead, Senior star PJ Harley took a first in his specialty, the 500 yard free style in 4:50.41 to help Westfield take a 57-53 lead. Harley also took the 200 yard free style in 1:47.15 and was unbeaten in five individual events last week.

“PJ has been great for us all year. His leadership in the pool has been inspirational. His leadership, along with that of the other seniors has helped mold this team into the successful group it has become,” said night.

With the Blue Devils trailing 63-61, Baran took the 100 yard backstroke in 55.52 giving Westfield its final lead at 72-68. before CHW won the final two events

The Blue Devils’ week got off to a great start when they avenged two close defeats to Bridgewater that had ended their last two seasons. For the past two seasons, the meet came down to the 400-yard freestyle relay. Bridgewater-Raritan came out on top both times, once on power points and once by a first-place finish.

This year, Westfield had a clear 81-75 lead going into the final event and the Blue Devils swept the top two spots to ensure the victory.

“We knew we were going up against a great team in B-R and if we were to win we would have to step up. They all responded with great swims and I was extremely proud of them,” said Knight.
Westfield won six of the 11 events, but depth and a sweep in the butterfly made the difference.
Harley took the 200 and 500 freestyle DeLaFuente won the 200 individual medley and led Westfield's sweep in the butterfly in 54.76 seconds. Baran finished second and Matt Blutfield took third. Meserole and Baran finished first and second, respectively, in the backstroke.
“It was a pivotal point was going 1-2 in the backstroke and then 2-3-4 in the breaststroke. Overall, the guys put us in a position to control our own destiny going into the last relay,” said Knight.

Sandwiched between the Bridgewater victory and Cherry Hill defeat was a 99-71 semi final victory over Ridgewood
Westfield finished first in seven events, including victories by DeLaFuente in the 200 individual medley, Matt Green in the 50 freestyle, Baran in the 100 butterfly and Freshman Mike Oster in the 500 yard free style.

Oster, Colin Sullivan, Baran and Green also combined to win the 200 medley relay.
Westfield will be well represented in the season ending Meet of Champions this weekend with Harley leading the contingent.