By LESLEY GRAHAM
The Ocean City High School boys swim team started off 2020 with a 116-54 loss to conference foe St. Augustine Prep on Friday afternoon. Ocean City is now 3-3 on the season, while St. Augustine improves to 4-0.
The lone winner for the Red Raiders in the 11-event meet was freshman Pat Armstrong in the 100-yard butterfly, clocking in with a time of 1:03.91.
Ocean City consistently put together second place finishes but was unable to overcome the speed displayed by the Hermits in the first meet back since winter break.
Head Coach Shane McGrath, who is in his seventh year at the helm of Ocean City boys swimming, was underwhelmed with his team’s performance but not disappointed in their effort.
“I think we were just flat,” McGrath said. “But it’s just one meet and we will get through it.”
McGrath, who tries not to dwell on things too long, said the Red Raiders will be back to practice Saturday and will keep working on what they need to do to succeed this season.
“We are a little tired from winter break, but we are going to get better. I am confident in that,” he said.
The season is still young, so there is plenty of time for the Red Raiders to improve their place in the conference standings.
When asked about what his hopes are for the season, McGrath responded with his desire to return to the South Jersey finals.
“We are good enough to get to the South Jersey finals again — that is the goal,” he said.
With swimmers such as juniors Dolan Grisbaum and Steve Gooden, as well as a core group of solid swimmers, McGrath knows success is obtainable.
“Standout swimmer Dolan Grisbaum trains year round, always shows up and gives us his best effort. Steve Gooden is another one who broke two records (pool records) against Mainland,” McGrath said. “And we have a great core group of guys who are just inches away from where they need to be.”
