GOOD RUN: Princeton High boys’ swimmer Jeshurun Reyen displays his breaststroke form in the 200 medley relay last Thursday as PHS defeated Steinert 111-58. Reyen helped PHS win the 200 medley relay and he took first in the 500 freestyle at the Tigers improved to 3-1. PHS was slated to swim at WW/P-South on December 17 and at Robbinsville on December 19 in its last action before the holidays.  (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Even though Jeshurun Reyen wasn’t in the water early on this season for Princeton High boys’ swimming team, he still inspired the squad.

“He was not initially cleared because he was having some shoulder issues,” said PHS head coach Carly Misiewicz.

“At the beginning of the season, he was on deck helping us coach, helping kids with technique, working on dives and turns, all of those little things”

Last Thursday, Reyen showed his technique and leadership, helping PHS defeated Steinert 111-58 to improve to 3-1. PHS defeated Steinert 111-58. Reyen helped PHS win the 200 medley relay and took first in the 500 freestyle.

“I have just watched him grow so much as a leader. He was quiet with that freshman mentality,” said Misiewicz.

“It is just really nice to see him develop into this leader that kids look up to and go to for advice.”

In reflecting on her team’s solid start, Misiewicz is seeing a nice chemistry developing among her swimmers.

“They are really vibing well this year as a whole team,” said Misiewicz.

“That is what we have tried to stress from the beginning of the year, just team chemistry. When you see that everybody else on the team wants to win and has that drive and passion, it is contagious.”

The Tigers have been getting some passionate efforts from junior Owen Tennant, junior Andy Liu, sophomore Josh Kim, freshman Chris Du, and freshman Julian Velazquez. In the win over Steinert, Velazquez placed first in the 100 backstroke and the 100 butterfly while Kim won the 200 free and Bill Ni prevailed in the 100 breaststroke.

“Owen is doing well, he has only swum in two meets so far for us,” said Misiewicz.

“Andy is coming up big in the IM and the butterfly for us. Josh is a good sophomore. We have a couple of good freshmen in Chris Du and Julian Velasquez. Julian is a really good butterflyer. He swum the 100 fly today. He is right on his lifetime best times in a high school meet so that is exciting.”

With PHS slated to swim at WW/P-South on December 17 and at Robbinsville on December 19 in its last action before the holidays, Misiewicz believes her squad is gaining momentum through focus on individual development.

“We have won three meets back-to-back-to-back, we are trying to take that and channel that going forward,” said Misiewicz.

“It is go and do the best, that is all we really can do. It is what our story always is — yeah, we want to win, but you can’t control anyone else. It is a team sport, but it is individual as well, so it is doing the very best that you can at that point for your team.”