When it comes to competing in the Boston City League, Latin Academy has developed a pretty good reputation.
Jeremy Bradley played a vital role in four winning events Thursday, as the Dragons won their 16th straight BCL co-ed swimming title at Madison Park Technical Vocational High School.
“It was great,” said Latin Academy coach Richard Mojica. “They drove me crazy, but it was a good crazy, because they stuck as a team. That’s kind of it. We didn’t have the talent overall at the level that we usually do, but we had a better team chemistry, which I think allowed our group to come together.”
Latin Academy entered with its usual crop of depth, with 24 athletes participating. However, 13 of them were underclassmen.
Yet, instead of taking a step back, the Dragons went on to win eight of 11 events and finished with 142 team points. Bradley captured two events by winning the mixed 50-yard freestyle (23.69 seconds) and the 100 butterfly (58.69).
He also served as a leg during the Dragons’ win in the 200 medley relay (2:01.44) along with Jack Mogan, Maya Friedmann and Mabel Gallagher. Later in the 200 freestyle relay (1:50.13), Bradley also teamed up with Friedmann, Gallagher and Euan Montgomery for a victory. He was later named the BCL Boys Swimmer of the meet.
“It’s amazing,” said an elated Bradley. “I would like to thank my family, my parents, my dog, and especially coach Rich. I swim with him year-round. Without him, I would never have gotten this opportunity. I’d especially like to thank the BLA swim team, because they get me through practice, and it’s just so fun. I feel like there’s much more to come, and I can’t wait.”
Gallagher was later selected as the BCL Girls Swimmer of the Meet for her performance during the winning relays with Latin Academy. She also placed third in the mixed 100 freestyle (1:00.08).
“It means a lot to me,” said Gallagher. “Because I’m friends with so many people on the team. I’m really close to everyone. We’re supportive of each other, so it feels pretty good.”
Latin Academy was also lifted by Mogan, who finished a triple-winner by adding individual victories in the 100 freestyle (56.31) and 100 backstroke (1:06.14).
Yiorgo Katsompenakis turned in an impressive performance for O’Bryant, helping the Tigers finish runner-up with 83 points. He would place first in the 200 (2:11.26) and the 500 freestyles (6:00.46), and also swam on O’Bryant’s winning 400 freestyle relay team (4:07.84).