Scotch Plains Fanwood junior Greg Baliko was not sure of the exact score when he entered the pool for the 100-yard breaststroke. He only knew it was a huge race that could decide whether the Raiders would hold off Princeton and win their first state title.
So Baliko did what he has been doing all season, and when he touched first in 59.93, he helped bring Scotch Plains to the necessary 86 points to clinch a the victory as the Raiders defeated Princeton 90-80 on Sunday, February 27th in the NJSIAA Public B Final at The College of New Jersey in Ewing. Scotch Plains, winless in six previous appearances in a state championship meet, was making its first state final appearance since 2001.
“I was too busy warming down after the 200 freestyle relay to even know the score,” Baliko said. “I just knew we were getting close and that I needed to win that race. When I finished the race and looked at the time I was very pleased. Then I looked over to the side of the pool where I saw Joe Dunn give a fist pump and yell ‘STATE CHAMPS BABY’ in my direction. This is when I gave my own fist pump and went wild.”
“It was great to have the meet in hand before the final relay,” Scotch Plains Fanwood Swim Coach Jessica Hulnik said. “Princeton still had all of their top guys for that last relay, and while I am sure our guys would have won it if they had to, it was nice that we didn't have to worry about it.”
“Finally, after three years of anticipation for the 2010-2011 year it had all worked out in our favor. The training that went in was intense, but in the end it was all worth it,” added Baliko, who also celebrated his 17th birthday the day of the meet.
“Truthfully I kept forgetting that it was my birthday” Baliko said. “All I was focusing on was the meet. When the 27th would come up I would always say ‘oh yea state finals right?’ Sometimes people would have to correct me about my birthday instead. I really could not have asked for more on that day. The victory was the best present I could have ever thought of. We knew this year was our best shot at the title and we took it.”
“It was actually brought up after the Mountain Lakes meet that we would be swimming on Greg's birthday,” Hulnik said. “We all told him Happy Birthday before the meet. I don't know about further motivation, but it seemed like a great coincidence to win a state title on your birthday. Kind of a really cool present.”
For Hulnik, it was as if time had stood still. The victory came almost exactly six years to the day she had coached the Raider girls to the school’s first state title by defeating Princeton 95-75 in the NJSIAA/Public B championship, also at The College of New Jersey. And just like 2011, their semi final victory was 93-77 over Mountain Lakes.
“It’s a little freaky isn't it? It is interesting that the same programs which were strong back then are still strong now. It says a lot about the success of those programs. Princeton and Mountain. Lakes are top notch programs and they seem to be in the mix every year,” said Hulnik, who joins a shortlist of coaches who have won both a boys and girls state title.
“This one is not much different from the girls. Both teams swam really well and came into the meet ready to swim fast and win,” she added.
The Raiders broke the meet open with a 1-2 finish from sophomore Ryan Gadjzisz (4:45.55, No. 4 in the state) and Mike Napolitano (4:45.64, No. 5) in the 500 freestyle and a 1-3 Scotch Plains finish in the 200 freestyle relay. Baliko (22.04), Dan Napolitano (22.07), Gadjzisz (22.83) and Joe Dunn (21.57) won the relay in 1:28.51 and helped Scotch Plains claim a commanding 70-54 lead. Gadjzisz has added another elite swimmer to the lineup and become dominant in the 200 and 500 yard free style.
“Ryan has swum the two longest events every big meet and has been so consistent,” Hulnik said. “He also has been great on relays. He gets right out of the 500 and goes right into the 200 free relay and is still fast. He is swimming with so much confidence this year and has become one of the go to guys on the team.”
In addition to winning the 100-yard breaststroke, Baliko also took first in the 200 yard individual medley. Not only is Baliko a great swimmer, but the junior is the unquestioned team leader and sometimes like a second coach—factors not lost on an appreciative Hulnik.
“Greg is extremely versatile and always puts the needs of his team before his own,” Hilnik said. “He is excellent with our younger swimmers and is always giving technique advice and race strategy to help out. He is truly a student of swimming. Like many of our guys, he can handle multiple events with short rest.”
“I always try to help out my team mates with stroke technique as much as I can because I know it is so simple and extremely beneficial,” Baliko said. “Coming from a swimming family, my dad has helped me a lot with technique since I was young and it is something that has stuck with me through the years. The least I can do for the coaches is be an extra pair of eyes, underwater as well, and try and help out the team.”
Baliko broke a long streak of outstanding local swimmers who had attended St Joe’s of Metuchen in order to attend SPF.
“St. Joes didn't do much recruiting to get me,” he said. “I met the coach at a family friend's party and he asked me if I was thinking about coming. I had it set in my mind that I did not want to go, so politely I told him I wanted to stay in public school and that I liked SPF. One of my good friends, who swims on FSPY with me would always tell me how amazing we could be if I came and the Napolitanos stayed, but I had my heart set on SPF the entire time.”
In addition to seniors Mike and Dan Napolitano, the Raiders will also have to replace free stylers Mike Pesin and Jason Shaub, and versatile Mike Rizzo.
“While Mike and Dan account for a lot of first place points and will be greatly missed, we don't win a state or county title without those other three seniors,” Hulnik said. “All of these guys have been a huge part of this team for the past several years. In addition to their swimming talents, they are great role models for our younger swimmers and they really get into the team competition. So much so that instead of doing homework or class work, they are also researching rivals and trying to come up with line-ups to beat our opponents. It’s like having several coaches sometimes. These guys really just get into it. They all will be missed next season.”
Hulnik, who teaches Physical Education at a K-8 parochial school in South Brunswick, completed her 16th year as swim coach at Scotch Plains. A completive swimmer since 8th grade, she swam collegiately at Lock Haven University in PA for four years.
“I wasn't very good,” she said. “But I eventually found a role as someone who could pick up those 4th and 5th place points, and I loved just training and being a part of the team. I started coaching at a summer swim club [Springwood in Colonia] back in 1990. They were very patient with me as a first time coach and I learned a lot from my years there.”
The Raiders completed a perfect season against other public schools. Their one loss this season to Pingry, a private school, penalized the Raiders in the state rankings and dropped them from second to fifth, where they currently reside. Despite defeating Bridgewater at their home pool, the Raiders fell behind them after the Pingry loss. While the Raiders would have liked a chance to repeat their earlier success, Baliko and his team can relish a great victory.
“Swimming against Bridgewater is always extremely fun because of the fast and intense atmosphere,” Baliko said. “Bridgewater is fast every year and is recognized for that. When we swam them this year I think that it showed a lot of people that they aren't the only ones who have a fast team. We are happy to be recognized as a team that competes with Bridgewater and always love to race them. I am sure next year will be just as close and fast.”
Baliko, unlike last year, will savor the end of this season and hesitates talking about next year for a short time.
“Of course all of the juniors and younger athletes have begun thinking about next season and if we have a chance to win again,” he said. “The conversation comes up, but we always remind ourselves that we need to live in the moment, right now, and cherish the victory as we have it.”
