Oak Hill Academy Swim Team Makes Waves with Historic Season
The Oak Hill Academy swim team has reached new heights this season. Our co-ed team, open to grades 5-8, completed their second straight undefeated season, not only winning all their meets but also breaking multiple records. Led by Mr. Bellezza, aka “Coach B” and Miss Flanagan, the team has staked its claim as the top middle school swim program in Monmouth County for the second consecutive year .
Team Achievements
Oak Hill’s swimmers dominated their competition, securing victories in all three of their meets:
- Neptune: 106-66
- Ranney: 100-50
- Wardlaw-Hartridge: 106.5-56.5
In addition to these impressive dual meet performances, the boys’ team achieved a significant milestone by winning their first Boys Title at the Ranney Invitational on February 6, competing against schools from across New Jersey.
Coach B expressed his enthusiasm about the season: “Every bit of work and effort we’ve put in as a team since November has gotten us to another undefeated season AND excellent results at the Ranney Invitational! Two great accomplishments which could not have been done without everyone’s participation and time swimming the events needed (and breaking more school records along the way). Take the time today to enjoy this moment! Well done!”
Individual Accomplishments
While the team’s success is a testament to their collective effort, individual swimmers also shone brightly. The standout performer of the season was 8th grader Braden Harris, who accomplished something unprecedented in Oak Hill Swimming history by setting 7 individual and 2 relay records during this season.
Record-Breaking Performances
Braden Harris’s remarkable achievements include:
- 100 Freestyle: 56.79 seconds (breaking Daniel Hellman’s 2007 record)
- 200 Freestyle: 2:03.50 (breaking a 12-year-old record by nearly 14 seconds)
- 50 Butterfly: 27.74 seconds
- 50 Breaststroke: 34.24 seconds
- 100 Individual Medley: 1:03.98
- 25 Freestyle: 12.17 seconds
- 50 Backstroke: 28.23 seconds
Harris also anchored two record-breaking relay teams:
- 200 Freestyle Relay: 1:59.12 (with Vivienne Wolfe, Gracyn Loewenberg, and James Badishkanian)
- 100 Medley Relay: 59.98 seconds (with Gracyn Loewenberg, Elliott Li, and James Badishkanian)
These performances have cemented Braden’s place in Oak Hill Academy history as the most decorated swimmer, holding all 8 individual and 2 of 3 relay records.
The success of the Oak Hill Academy swim team demonstrates the power of teamwork and individual determination. As they celebrate their achievements this season, the team looks forward to building on their success and continuing to make waves in the competitive world of middle school swimming.
Congratulations to all of our swimmers on a truly remarkable and historic season!
