Spartan swimmers shine at states

Williamsville North's Brandon Beckinghausen finished 17th in the 200-yard freestyle at last weekend's New York State Championships held at Erie Community College's Burt Flickinger Center. Photo by Joe Eberle Purchase photos at www.BeeNews.com

Williamsville North's boys swimming team capped off another magical season this past weekend when they competed at the New York State Championship meet at Erie Community College's Burt Flickinger Center. Senior Matt Krupp led the way with the team's top individual finish by placing 13th in the 100-yard butterfly.

Seniors Chris Deptula (50 free, 22.30) and Brandon Beckinghausen (200 free, 1:47.00) finished 20th and 17th, respectively. Both swims were lifetime bests. Junior Michael Lin contributed with two season best times in the 200 free and 100 free. The foursome then combined to finish seventh in the 400 free relay (3:18.01).

The Spartan senior class of Beckinghausen, Deptula, and Krupp will graduate as one of the most accomplished classes in Spartan swimming history. In four years, the group has only been beaten twice in dual meet competition, have won many individual and relay titles, have broken several school and pool records, and have carried the team to back to back undefeated seasons and ECIC Team Championships.

"I am very proud of this group of guys", said North coach Flynn Burroughs. "It has been an honor to work with them and watch them develop as swimmers and young men. Their best races are still ahead of them and I look forward to following their success at the collegiate level - and beyond."

Beckinghausen, Deptula, Krupp and Lin will join forces with fellow Section VI State Team members Matt Geiger and Kane Hsieh (Williamsville East) and Alex Rindo (Lancaster) this weekend when they represent the UB Amherst Swim Club (UBAM) at the Speedo Championship Meet held at Harvard University in Boston.