Within the fabric of a team, there is perhaps no more important a role than captain.
He is the liaison between the players and the coach. Often the most senior member of a group, captains need to have the respect of fellow players as well as the higher ups of a program. This isn’t lost on Syosset Braves swimming captain Scott Holtzman.
“I like being able to share my experience with swimming with everyone else,” Holtzman said. “I help them work on their stroke and motivate them.”
Find out what's happening in Syossetwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Holtzman, in addition to providing moral support, guides his team through his accomplishments in the pool. During Tuesday’s 98-88 win over Massapequa, the senior won the 200 IM and the 100 backstroke, an event he hadn’t swam since the seventh grade.
“Our coach (Chris Schleider) wanted to spread apart our depth,” Holtzman said of the decision to swim the 100 backstroke. “It wasn’t worth winning the 500 when I could put my energy into another race."
Find out what's happening in Syossetwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Like a captain should, Holtzman adapted to the uncharacteristic change and thrived.
“I was excited,” he said. “I like swimming 100’s. I usually swim the 20-lap race. Four is a lot better."
Outside of Syosset High School, the senior swims for the Long Island Express of the U.S.S. Before the Express, he swam for Old Westbury Aquatic, also of the U.S.S.
As for his high school team, Holtzman has his sights set on With the Dalers nipping at Syosset’s (2-2) heels in Division A, it’s the most important date on the Braves conference calendar.
“It’s going to be our closest meet so far,” Holtzman said. “If everyone swims their best, we’ll come out with the win.”
Individually, Holtzman hopes to make All-County.
“I have to put in a lot more time,” he said. “But hopefully I’ll get there.”
Counties are scheduled for Feb. 11 and 12 at Eisenhower Park.
