Little Tigers’ depth proves too strong for county competition
By: Justin Feil
LAWRENCE Levan Beridze isn’t too familiar with the history of the Princeton High boys’ swimming program. A native of the former Soviet republic of Georgia, Beridze swam for a Maryland school last year before moving to Princeton this past summer to join his family. That move brought him to the Little Tigers’ program, and helped bring PHS its first Mercer County Championship on Saturday.
"I actually don’t know the whole history since I just moved here from Maryland," the senior sprinter said. "But it’s really been a good time. This was a lot of fun."
Beridze gave quite a contribution for the Little Tigers as he captured second-place finishes behind Hopewell Valley’s Jan-Michael Blakely in the 50 and 100 freestyle races. Beridze also was a part of the winning 200 and 400 free relay teams, the only two events that the PHS boys won Saturday, but that did not put even a dent in their shield of confidence.
"Even in the (400), it was so close," he said. "I felt in the water that I could do it. It’s always good to be first."
The Little Tigers were the favorites after going unblemished through the Colonial Valley Conference season. That confidence showed as PHS’ swim team outdistanced second-place West Windsor-Plainsboro High South, 242-157.
"That really helped, but every meet and every race we take seriously," Beridze said. "We were ready for this meet, physically, mentally and we wanted to prove ourselves."
WW-P North finished seventh with 108 points, Princeton Day had 47 to end up ninth and Hun had six points.
"Seed-wise, we were the favorites," agreed PHS head coach Greg Hand. "But the challenge is to come in and compete well. The mentality was terrific. They didn’t focus on winning and losing; everybody was trying to go fast. The racing this week was impressive. Some of the tapers on the other teams were fantastic. I’m glad our guys stepped up.
"The work that was put in (Friday’s prelims) put us in good position. Swims from guys like Nate Ristuccia, Yoshi Deligne and Andrew Ferguson helped. Getting in the final heat really gives the team the feeling that we’re all in it."
The win breaks the Pirate boys’ four-year Mercer County streak, though WW-PS also dug deep to find some of its old magic. Ben Kim, one of the only seniors on a young Pirate squad, was able to pull from behind to take a stirring 100 butterfly victory, but it was the only one of the day for WW-PS. PHS had quality swims from its squad that still didn’t have the numbers of some CVC squads there, but found quality in its limited numbers.
"Princeton did a great job," said WW-P South head coach Paul Hamnett, whose team faces second-seeded East Brunswick 3 p.m. today in the Central Jersey A quarterfinals. "I’m really proud of my guys. Coming up second was amazing. I saw a lot of great swims from my guys. It’s nice to see them finishing the season this way."
It was the way that Little Tigers swimmers like Beridze finished that brought PHS the crown. He teamed with Jesse Applegate to go 2-3 in both the 50 and 100, and both were key parts of the winning free relays.
"I did my best time of the season in the 100 free," Beridze said. "I had a broken ankle two and a half months ago, and I had to spend a month in bed. I think I’m coming around now. I’m dropping my times now. I’m doing my best in every practice and every meet."
Princeton will once again be a favorite in the states, and having a newcomer like Beridze, a member of the Georgian national swim team, should help.
"His talent helps us obviously," Hand said. "His experience helps us in intangible ways, as does his sense of humor. He always keeps the team laughing."
About the only time Beridze isn’t laughing is when he’s scolding himself for not swimming faster. He’s been happier as the season has gone on and he’s recovered from his ankle injury, but he’s also starting to put raise his expectations. Yet, he was proud of finishing second twice, and confident that he can go faster still. It’s what he’s dedicated himself to, regardless of where he’s lived or trained.
"This is the sport I do. There aren’t any other sports for me," he said. "For me, since I was 6, I have been swimming. Swimming is the most important thing to me after my education.
"This year, I started off really well. I went back to Georgia for three months in the summer and trained with the national team. I was going really fast. I think I was the fastest sprinter in Maryland, and then I broke my ankle."
Since recovering from the injury, Beridze has progressed to the point where he is a dominant sprinter and important points-winner for the Little Tigers. Just as importantly, he’s fit in fine with the team and found that they’ve accepted him.
"I miss my friends from Maryland and from Georgia, but I keep in touch," Beridze said.
After Saturday, he’ll be calling to tell them about the Mercer County Championship that he helped the PHS boys win.