By Tim Morris
James Rush is a swimmer in a hurry.
The Marlboro High School senior became one of the fastest swimmers in the state this winter, winning the 50-yard freestyle (21.98) at the Monmouth County Championships and the 100 freestyle (48.11) at the Shore Conference meet. He has qualified for both events at the NJSIAA Individual Championships Feb. 26-27 at the Gloucester Institute of Technology in Sewell.
“It’s totally exciting, very satisfying,” Rush said of his sprint championships in 2016. “[Qualifying for the state championships] means a lot.”
A four-year letter-winner for the Mustangs, Rush had steadily improved each year. But each year, there was someone else standing atop the podium as the winner and champion. As Rush saw it, 2016 was his time to win big races.
“This was my senior year,” he said. “I had to swim to my strength.”
That meant when diving in the pool at the start of the race, he would get to the surface quicker and spend less time underwater.
Rush noted that one of the differences between this season and previous ones is weight training. He added that into his training and it’s paid off, especially in the 50 freestyle, which is all about being explosive off the blocks.
Although Rush didn’t have the fastest qualifying time at the county meet in the 50 freestyle, his head coach, Michael Walsh was hardly surprised that he made it to the top of the podium.
“It was not a shock that Jimmy finished first in the 50,” he said. “He is a great swimmer.”
The Mustangs won the 50 freestyle by a wide margin of 1.01.
Rush, who swims for the YMCA of Western Monmouth County in Freehold Township, has always been a sprinter. He likes the all-out adrenaline of a sprint vs. the more methodical longer races.
While its been a great year for Rush individually, he’s helped make it an even better one for Marlboro’s team. The Mustangs won the Shore Conference A North Division public school title and qualified for the state team tournament. They had strong results at the county (fourth place) and conference (third) meets.
In addition, his sprinting helped two Marlboro relay teams qualify for this weekend’s state championships.
Anchored by Rush, Marlboro’s 200 Freestyle Relay (1:34.19) and 200 Medley Relay (1:43.68) teams, which include Ryan Meng, Vincent D’Amato and Tristian Nguyen, are headed to Gloucester.
Rush is proud of Marlboro’s team accomplishments and noted that being a part of a relay team provides him with added motivation. His motivation is to not let his teammates down. They will get his best in Gloucester, as will the state’s top sprinters.
