South Plainfield Boys Varsity Swimming 2025 Season Recap: A Record-Breaking Year of Determination and Dominance
The 2025 season was one for the history books at South Plainfield High School, as the Boys Varsity Swimming team, led by Head Coach T.J. Conneely, delivered a campaign filled with triumph, teamwork, and transformation. From an undefeated regular season to multiple school records shattered, the Tigers showcased a level of excellence and unity that firmly cements this season as one of the most successful in program history.
“This group had something special,” Coach Conneely reflected. “From our early challenges to the way we ended the season, they showed resilience, leadership, and a true love for the sport.”
Key Contributors Who Powered the Tigers’ Success
Several standout swimmers played a major role in the team’s remarkable accomplishments:
Brandon Calderone had a season nothing short of spectacular. As the team’s leading point scorer, he captured two gold medals at the county tournament in the 100 Butterfly and 100 Backstroke, while also qualifying for the prestigious Meet of Champions in both events. His impact didn’t stop there—he broke school records in both his individual events and was a member of all three record-breaking relay teams: the 200 Medley Relay, 200 Freestyle Relay, and 400 Freestyle Relay.
Corey Calderone made waves of his own. With a bronze medal in the 200 IM at the county meet and a new school record in the 500 Freestyle, Corey demonstrated both endurance and versatility. Like his brother, he was also a key member of the record-setting relay squads.
Noah Soto, the second-highest point scorer for the season, delivered consistently strong performances, earning top 10 finishes in the 200 Freestyle and 100 Breaststroke at the county level. He, too, was integral in all three relays that etched their names into the school’s record books.
Riley Billian, the senior captain and an all-around contributor, was a cornerstone of the team’s success. Ranking as the third-highest point scorer, Riley served as the Tigers' Swiss army knife, competing in every individual event and relay throughout his career. He capped off his senior year with a place on the record-breaking 200 Free Relay and left behind a legacy of selflessness, leadership, and growth.
“Riley was everything you want in a leader,” Coach Conneely said. “He led by example, never complained, and always put the team first.”
Undefeated Season, New Heights
The Tigers were nothing short of dominant in 2025. The team went undefeated in the regular season, claimed their division championship, and made school history by advancing to the North II Group B State Sectional Tournament for the first time ever.
Even more impressive, this milestone came after the team was promoted to a higher division following their division win last year.
“This group proved they belonged,” Coach Conneely said. “They weren’t intimidated. They rose to every occasion.”
Their fifth-place finish at the county tournament solidified their place among the region’s elite, and the record-setting relays were icing on the cake.
Turning Point: An Early-Season Upset
One of the most pivotal moments of the season came early, in a meet against perennial powerhouse Union Catholic.
South Plainfield had never beaten Union Catholic, and expectations were realistic. But the Tigers came out firing on all cylinders, achieving multiple personal bests and pulling off a stunning upset victory.
“That win lit a fire under us,” Coach Conneely said. “It proved to the team that we could go toe-to-toe with anyone. From there, they doubled down on their work ethic, and we didn’t look back.”
Fresh Faces, Big Impact
While the season’s success was heavily driven by veterans, it also featured exciting contributions from up-and-coming swimmers.
Freshman Jayden Rivera emerged as one of the program’s most promising young talents. Through hard work and rapid improvement, he earned a spot on the top 200 Freestyle Relay team, which went on to break the school record.
“Jayden’s growth was incredible,” said Conneely. “He’s got the talent, and now he knows how hard work pays off. The sky’s the limit for him.”
Meeting Every Challenge Head-On
In swimming, where races can come down to fractions of a second, pressure is constant, and South Plainfield thrived in those high-stakes moments.
Whether facing tough opponents or needing strong finishes to stay undefeated, the Tigers responded by posting personal bests across the board. Their resilience was a hallmark of the season.
“They never folded,” Coach Conneely said. “Instead, they swam their best when it mattered most.”
The Senior Legacy
At the heart of the Tigers’ success was a group of seniors who brought leadership, experience, and unwavering dedication.
Leading the way was Captain Riley Billian, whose journey from underclassman contributor to elite-level swimmer and team leader was inspirational.
“Riley bridged the gap between the younger swimmers and the veterans,” said Coach Conneely. “His unselfishness, encouragement, and performance were everything we could ask for.”
This senior class helped raise the bar for the program and left a powerful blueprint for future teams to follow.
The Future is Bright
With a core trio of Brandon Calderone, Corey Calderone, and Noah Soto returning as seniors next year, South Plainfield’s future is not just hopeful—it’s electric.
“I’m excited about what’s ahead,” said Coach Conneely. “We’ve got the talent and the leadership coming back to chase a third straight division title and push even further in the state tournament.”
Along with rising stars like Jayden Rivera and a team-wide commitment to growth, expectations are rightfully high for 2026.
Offseason Goals: Strength, Depth, and More Records
As the team turns the page to offseason training, the goals are clear: build strength, develop greater depth, and continue pushing personal bests.
Coach Conneely believes that this period is where next year’s success truly begins.
“This is the time to improve technically, get stronger, and bring the team even closer together,” he said. “We’re proud of what we did this year, but we’re hungry for more.”
A Season to Remember
The 2025 South Plainfield Boys Varsity Swimming season will be remembered not just for its records and milestones but for the character and chemistry that made it all possible.
From their first upset win to their final relay, the Tigers swam with heart, pride, and purpose, setting the stage for an even more exciting chapter to come.
Stats and more information about the Tigers’ season can be found at the South Plainfield Athletics page and local coverage sources.
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