By Teagan Liphardt and Alexandra Oliveira – Staff Reporters

The Milford boys swim team ended the winter season with five consecutive wins. 

After a few close losses to start the year, the team found way to triumph through the tough times.

“I would say this season was such a roller coaster, starting pretty low our first few meets but as the season continues, everyone started pulling it together and setting new personal bests,” Senior Captain Sam Porzelt said. “The improvement was so clear, and we got to show it off even more when we won five meets in a row. It was great seeing everyone hold out despite a rough start and it really paid off in the end.” 

There were many key additions to the team this season that helped lead them to a strong finish.

“It’s been a real advantage to have the team size we do (24 swimmers) and the depth of talent that comes with it,” Head Coach Brian Dooling said. “This combination has been crucial in many of our meets.” 

Along with the team’s wins, there were many personal victories as well, including several by Senior Captain Joe Lahav.

“Across three meets against Wallingford, West Haven, and Cheshire, I’ve swam states times for the 50 freestyle, and in the Cheshire meet I was able to break a minute in the 100 fly with a 59.64 which was very memorable and exciting for me,” Lahav said.

Milford opened its arms to many new swimmers this season. 

“How the team has welcomed me is that they included me in every conversation, I made many more new friends, and that the coaches were nice,” freshman Stanley Jiang said. “All of them were very open and welcoming and I had a very good time with them.”

Manager Anna Rusu described the team’s tight bond and friendship.

“The guys are all friends with each other and you can see that in and out of the pool,” Rusu said. “In a sport that is so individual it’s great to see friendships develop, and I know that the guys will cherish all of the memories and fun times.” 

This season, Milford also participated in the Lion Heart charity event which is an annual fundraiser and swim-athon which raises funds for breast cancer research. Their team raised $2,650 — one of the top fundraising totals among boys’ swimming teams. 

One memorable meet for the team was their second meet against West Haven.

“There were tons of personal records being set, close races, and the energy from the spectators was unmatched,” Porzelt said.

Swimming is an individual sport, but Lahav said teamwork plays a crucial part. 

“Even though swimming is one’s own race, I believe that teamwork is very important in this sport because it can help you build upon your skill,” Lahav said.