Matthew Gibson (VI) swims the 50 yard freestyle at a meet against Dalton
From the start, Fieldston’s home meet against Dalton felt different; the seniors seemed quieter, swimmers were in different events, and a large, cheerful audience came to support the team in what would be the seniors’ final regular-season home meet.
Ending the regular season on a high note, the “Seagles” displayed a dominant performance against Dalton. The men’s team won 69 to 43, and the girl’s 85 to 67. Earning first place, recently appointed captain David Fishman (VI) swam in the two hundred yard freestyle. Captain Ben Kaeser (VI) swam the one hundred yard freestyle and the two hundred yard medley and freestyle relays, taking first place in each. In the fifty freestyle, Kaeser was second only to Matt Gibson (VI).
Gibson stole the show when he broke a nineteen year-old fifty freestyle record with a time of 22.89 seconds. The record, originally set by alumnus Andrew Schlanger in 1996, is Gibson’s second individual achievement. A few weeks earlier, Gibson broke the men’s one hundred fly record.
“I’m very happy for Matt,” Schlanger said. “I recall being very motivated to beat the old 50 free record when I was swimming. I think it had also been standing for several years.”
As if it were any other event, Gibson climbed up the diving board with a poised determination that the team has come to expect and swam his heart out. His teammates cheered him on as wakes formed behind him. Gibson’s parents and Upper School Principal Laura Danforth watched proudly from the stands.
“It feels great. Knowing that all the hard work I’ve put in each day in the pool has paid off is a really great feeling,” said Gibson. “I remember before getting on the block thinking ‘this time I’m breaking the record,’ but, when I was in the water, I couldn’t and wouldn’t let anything distract me from the race.”
Gibson, who has been on the team for all four years of high school, reflected on the end of his last season at Fieldston.
“It’ll always be sad to leave something that you love. The people I’ve swam with have become some of my closest friends, and, even though we may not be swimming together, I know we’ll remain in touch,” Gibson said. “The seniors, as well as the rest of the team, challenge me to do better everyday, and that kind of drive is exactly what’s allowed me to get to this point.”
Coach Opdyke was more than impressed with Gibson’s record and general tenacity.
“Matt has been an amazing team leader this season,” Opdyke said. “I really could not ask more from a captain.”
Jesse Sobotka (VI), who persevered through the season with a shoulder injury, shares in the nostalgia felt by many seniors nearing the end of swim season.
“As an athlete who gets to be on a team for four years, I see a lot of people come and go, so when it’s finally my time to leave, it’s pretty sad,” Sobotka said. “What’s great about swim, though, is how close everyone becomes. I feel so lucky to be a part of such a close-knit team.”
