Lin, Arcara bring home ECIC titles for Spartans

Williamsville North's Michael Lin continued his dominance of ECIC competition by winning the 200-yard individual medley at the ECIC "AA" High School championship meet last week at Sweet Home High School.

Lin's time of 1:59.71 is just .49 of a second off the Spartan school record and is also one of the top reported times in New York State this season. Lin also qualified for the state meet in the 100 free with a lifetime best of 48.80.

Diver Chris Arcara also captured an ECIC title on his way to qualifying for the state meet with 435.5 points. It is the junior's first ECIC championship.

Other notable performances were turned in by the Spartan 200 medley relay and 400 free relay.

Lin teamed up with Michael Burns, Brandon Long and Kyle Siskar to place second in the 200 medley relay in 1:43.71. Lin and Siskar joined forces with Robby Novak and Sean Beckinghasen to come from behind in dramatic fashion to take third in the 400 free relay in 3:28.

Both relays are within striking distance of qualifying for the state meet. They'll get that chance this Wednesday and Thursday when they compete at the Section VI Championships at Erie Community College's Burt Flickinger Center.

Also closing in on state championship cut times are Siskar (50 and 100 free), Robby Novak (200 and 500 free) and Burns (100 breast).

Key contributions were also turned in by Beckinghausen (200 IM and 100 breast), Matt Berus (200 and 500 free), Max Blumberg (200 IM and 100 breast), David Chojanicki (50 and 100 free), Brandon Long (50 free and 100 fly), Mike Frys (50 free), Joe Jabrucki (200 and 500 free), and Steve Hill (200 and 500 free).

North finished fourth overall in what was one of the most closely contested ECIC championship meets in recent years. Less than 100 points separated first and fourth place.

"I'm so proud of this team," said North coach Flynn Burroughs, "This was supposed to be a rebuilding year and still we have a legitimate shot of qualifying five individuals and two relays for states. These guys have really come together over the past four months. They are tremendous teammates and competitors, but most importantly they are great friends. Regardless of what happens this week, we have had a very successful year."