Freedom High School junior, Sam Magnan, broke the Patriots' pool record in the 500 free during the first swim meet of the regular season against Emmaus High School last Friday, completing 20 laps in 4:35.95.

Magnan also took first place in the 200 free in 1:44.82.

Freedom senior, Peter Conzola, was also a double event winner, placing first in the 100 butterfly in 55.56 and the 100 backstroke in 54.36.

Conzola is the defending state champion in the 100 backstroke.

"I always try to improve. The time is the first and foremost goal. If I threw down a good time and got second, I'd be fine with that. I know I have more to improve on," said Conzola.

"It feels good [to be back]. I'm more excited about this year than any. I know our team will do well, and we have more depth than in the past."

In relay events, Conzola, Trevor Watlington, Connor Harrigan, and Magnan placed second in the 200 medley relay in 1:41.73, and Magnan, Shjon Watlington, Harrigan, and Conzola placed second in the the 400 free relay in 3:26.46.

In the end, the Hornets topped the Patriots 124-61.

Regarding the adjustment to new head coach Jon Larson, Conzola said, "It's going really well. He definitely knows his stuff. He's a really intelligent guy. He's the right coach for being able to coach all the different levels we have on the team."

Larson was pleasantly surprised by his new Patriot team's performance against the Green Hornets.

"We gave them good, honest races, and we have nothing to do but learn from them," Larson said.