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BRIARCLIFF MANOR, N.Y. Swimmers from the Briarcliff Manor Swim Club descended on the pool at Rye Playland on Thursday for the fourth and final day of the 87th Annual Westchester County Swimming Association Championships.
Club teams from throughout the county gathered for the four-day event, which ran from Monday to Thursday.
First-year Briarcliff coach Justin Cho swam at "the Counties," as the event is known, since age 11. Now, at 16, he has a new perspective.
First and foremost, I cant swim, which is kind of really sad, Cho said. But its nice to see the younger kids on the team swimming It brings back good memories and its nice to see old friends.
Like many other coaches and swimmers at the meet, Cho said the Counties are a chance for everyone to loosen up and have fun.
As shown by all the themes we have here, Spirit Day and America Day, its definitely a place for fun, Cho said. But when it comes down to swimming, well take it seriously.
Nine-year-old Isabella Gualtiere has been to the county championships before and said the event is much different from her usual meets.
Theres different people. I have competitors on the other teams, Gualtiere said.
Eleven-year-old Emma Kuhn, who also has friends on the other teams, made her first trip to the Counties this year and said the biggest difference for her was in the water.
Since its long course, its a little easier since you dont have to do a flip turn, Kuhn said. But its a lot of fun.
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