As the 2025 season winds down, the boys’ swim team at Aliso Niguel High School is making waves with their final performances. This year marks a bittersweet moment for the seniors, who are preparing to leave the pool for the last time as high school athletes. For them, it’s not just the end of a season—it’s the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and countless hours spent in the water.
The boys’ swim team has had a strong history of success, consistently competing at a high level in both league and CIF meets. This season, however, has been especially memorable. With a roster of talented swimmers who push each other to their limits, the team has shown the strength of their unity and competitive spirit. Yet, as with all seasons, the end is inevitable, and for the seniors, it’s a time to reflect on their journey.
Head Coach Puffer emphasized the crucial role that seniors have played throughout the season as he says, “The seniors have really stepped up; they show up ready to get after it everyday by working hard, and they set the example of not taking any days off, which has become contagious with the younger guys on the team.”
That leadership has paid off. The younger swimmers have risen to the challenge, motivated by the strong work ethic and discipline modeled by their senior teammates. According to Coach Puffer, this sense of accountability and consistency has created a culture of improvement within the team.
In the 200-yard freestyle, Carter Geiger placed 7th, followed closely by Garrett McCormick in 8th. The 200-yard individual medley saw Matt Lynch take 5th, with Jaden Prestridge in 6th and Kyle Arnold in 8th.
Sprint standout Gabe Widarto had a breakout meet, earning 3rd place in the 50-yard freestyle and 5th in the 100-yard freestyle. Aiden Olivarria also reached the finals in the 50 free, placing 8th, while Gavin Gabal finished 7th in the 100 free.
In the 100-yard butterfly, Jaden Prestridge again impressed with a 5th-place finish, and Carter Geiger added more team points with his 8th-place swim.
Distance events were a strong suit for Aliso as well. Garrett McCormick took 5th in the 500-yard freestyle, with teammates Noah Schott and Jacob Chen finishing 6th and 7th, respectively, in the same event—an impressive showing of depth.
The 200-yard freestyle relay team of Gabe Widarto, Insung Kang, Jaden Prestridge, and Aiden Olivarria turned in a strong performance as well, contributing valuable points to the team total.
In backstroke, Graham Ringsmuth earned 6th place in the 100-yard backstroke, and in breaststroke, Matt Lynch led the way with a 4th-place finish in the 100-yard breaststroke, followed by Gavin Gabal in 6th.
Overall, the varsity squad delivered an impressive performance at League Finals, with nearly every swimmer contributing to the team’s third-place finish. From sprint dominance to distance depth and strong relay efforts, Aliso Niguel’s lineup proved competitive across the board. With so many personal bests and top-eight finishes, the meet capped off a season of growth, grit, and teamwork.
Looking ahead, the future of boys’ swim at Aliso Niguel looks bright. While the seniors will be missed, the foundation they’ve built will continue to inspire those who follow in their wake. The younger swimmers are already stepping up, learning from the example set by their older teammates. As the seniors prepare to graduate, they leave behind a legacy of leadership and resilience that has clearly taken root in the underclassmen.
