By S. Quinn DeJoy and J. Murrer

Jul. 27, 2016:  As the 2016 Olympics get under way in early August, Bronxville's swimmers and divers will be participating in championships of their own. 

Starting this week and continuing until August 11, swimmers and divers from the Bronxville Field Club and Siwanoy Country Club will be competing at the Westchester County Championships and the Westchester County Swim Conferences. 

The regular conference season ends this week, and Siwanoy (4-0) will be looking to complete an undefeated season when it faces Scarsdale Golf Club today. The Siwanoy team competed in Division 4 last year but moved to Division 5 this summer. Many swimmers contributed to the team's success, but especially those who were either double or triple winners at the meets: Liam Bellishine (8u), Max Zarba (8u), Caroline (8u), Annabel (10u), and Max (12u) Hardart, Jack Hershberg (12u), Lauren (12u) and Sophia (14u) Allan, Mary Rotenberg (17u), Michael Landy (17u), and Andrew Wetty (17u). 

On the diving board, Andrew Babyak (BFC, left) and Michael Landy (Siwanoy, right). Photo by M. Landy. 

The BFC swim team won Division 3 last year but competes in the more competitive Division 2 this summer. The team (0-5) ended the season on Monday with a loss to Coveleigh. Despite the lack of success in team scoring, many individual swimmers and divers were top competitors. Top swimmers for BFC include Chris (14u) and Andrew (17u) Babyak, Fiona (10u) and Evan (14u) Barr, Kate Amar (17u), Tim Cushman (17u), and Aidan Flannery (17u). Divers Grace McSherry (17u) and Zach Flangos (17u) were also top scorers for the team. 

BFC swimmers at the meet against Coveleigh. Photo by P. Reilly. 

Jack Reilly (17u), who has been on the BFC swim team for 12 years, completed his BFC swimming career with his last race on Monday. 

"BFC swimming is one of the greatest sports I ever participated in. The team is a family. I loved being with my family, friends, coaches, and parents every year. It's a special bond. I will miss it so much, but I know I will always be welcomed back anytime to cheer on the team."

Jack Reilly (center) with BFC head swim coach Brian Hansbury and BFC head dive coach Melanie Dilascio. Photo by P. Reilly. 

Last week the teams took a break from conference competition to swim in the Siwanoy Invitational. BFC and Siwanoy compete in different divisions, so it was a great chance for Bronxville swimmers to get together for some friendly competition. While many of the races were competitive, there were also some races just for fun, including a diving event with cannonballs and Superman dives and an Olympic torch relay.

"The Siwanoy Invitational's theme this year was 'Go for the Gold!' and the pool was decorated with Olympic/USA decorations," said swim team member Michael Landy. "An example of a 'fun' race was the Olympic Torch Relays, in which each team had to swim holding a small inflatable torch. Also, the last race of the meet was a parent/coach/swim-team-alumni relay, which everyone always enjoys."

The Westchester County Diving Championship takes place at Lake Isle this week, and the swimming championship will be held for the 91st and likely last time at the pool at Rye Playland next week. The Playland pool, which is in need of costly repairs, will likely be turned into a dining and catering facility. 

The Westchester County Swim Conference Championships will be held the week of August 11 at various locations across the county.

Pictured at top (rotating):  The start of the race at the Siwanoy Invitational (photo by M. Landy); three photos of Bronxville Field Club swimmers at the Coveleigh meet (photos by P. Reilly).