Throughout the state postseason, Bristol Co-op boys swimmers proved they deserved to be mentioned among the best that Connecticut has to offer.
They earned that distinction by having three record-breaking races over the duration of the Class LL and State Open meets. They earned that distinction with first, third and fifth individual finishes against the state’s best at the Open meet. They earned that distinction with a season of consistency that could only make retiring head coach Adrienne Bentley beam from ear to ear.
It all began at the Class LL state championships, held on March 16 at the Cornerstone Aquatics Center in West Hartford. Bristol finished ninth out of 17 teams with 246 points, two spots and 48 points clear of division foe Platt-Maloney. Senior Mikel Palaj began a terrific personal run with a first place finish in the 50-yard freestyle in 21 seconds flat. Palaj also took first in the 100 freestyle in 50.29, a time that broke the program record of 51.97. Fellow senior Nathan Stellmach placed third in the 100 breaststroke in 58.69, a time that broke the program record of 58.90. Bristol closed the meet with a program record 400 freestyle relay. The team of Palaj, senior Noah Taylor, junior Davis Kroll and Stellmach finished in 3:20.39, .40 better than the previous mark.
The Open was held on March 19 in West Hartford. Palaj finished first in the 50 freestyle in 21:13. He later took third place in the 50 butterfly in a program record time of 50.06. Stellmach was fifth in the 100 breaststroke in 58.73. Bristol saved its best team moment for the meet-ending 400 freestyle relay. In that event, Palaj, Taylor, Kroll and Stellmach again broke the program record, finishing in 3:20.36.
Before the state meets, Bristol took second in the CCC divisional meet and claimed five CCC and team records. The records came in the 200 medley relay (1:39.68, team of sophomore Aidan Collins, Stellmach, Palaj, Kroll); 200 IM (1:54.84, Palaj); 500 freestyle (4:45.27, Palaj); 100 breaststroke (59.39, Stellmach); and the 400 freestyle relay (3:20.79, Palaj, Taylor, Kroll, Stellmach).
Top photo: The Bristol Co-op boys swimming foursome of (left to right) Nathan Stellmach, Davis Kroll, Noah Taylor and Mikel Palaj had postseasons performances to be remembered. (Photo credit: St. Paul athletics, Twitter)
Middle photo: Bristol Co-op head coach Adrienne Bentley (holding the plaque) heads off into retirement on a high note after a terrific season. (Photo credit: St. Paul athletics, Twitter)
Bottom photo: The Bristol Co-op boys swimming and diving team. (Photo credit: St. Paul athletics, Twitter)
