The Advocate

Senior Yap Makes Splash With Boys Swim Team

Monday, March 14, 2011 By Jack Marchese- Sports Editor

Senior Brandon Yap has been in the water his whole life, and for good reason. Yap has been swimming since 5 th grade, but has only been swimming for Law for a year. Yap says he loves to swim because it is a great way to stay in shape and it’s a good activity to keep him busy. "I love swimming because it’s a good cardio workout," Yap said. "It also gives me something to do after school." Yap has an immense passion and dedication to swimming. Senior swim captain Chas Elterman says he is one of the hardest working swimmers he has ever seen. Head coach Ms. Paolini agrees . "He is always the first one in the pool, and the last one out," Paolini said. "You can tell he has a true passion for the sport." Yap is not only gifted at swimming, but he is also a roll model for the younger swimmers Senior A.J Bonetti says Yap helps all the younger swimmers when they are struggling, and lightens up the locker room with his antics. "Whenever I see a younger swimmer in need, Yap is always the first one to assist," Bonetti said. "He also loves to tell jokes, his upbeat personality really puts a smile on all of our faces." Yap participates in the 100 butterfly, the 200 medley relay, and the 200 relay freestyle. Yap was particularity impressive in the 200 freestyle, in which he was only seconds short of making states. "I really wish I could have made states my senior year," Yap said. "But overall, I am happy with my performance in the pool this season. Yap will be graduating at the end of the year, and will be greatly missed by his fellow swimmers. Junior Eugene Yap , who is Brandon’s brother, says it will be hard to replace such a talented athlete once he is gone. "Brandon has been like a mentor to me, his swimming abilities and personality will be greatly missed," Yap said. "Law swim won’t be the same without him." Brandon Yap is thankful for his experience on the law swim team, and will miss his fellow teammates. "I only swam at law for a year, but the coaches and other swimmers have made a lasting impression on me," Yap said. "I will truly miss them all, they have been like family to me." Yap is unsure of where he will be going to college, but he does know one thing for sure, he will be swimming. "I have not made any decision on where I want to go to college yet," Yap said. "But I do know that wherever I go, I will be swimming for that school."