Highlanders’ 200 medley relay team delivers top performance
Piedmont High School’s boys swim team capped off an impressive season with a strong showing at the CIF State Swimming Championships, overcoming heat, illness, schedule conflicts, and a season spent practicing without a home pool.
“States was great,” said Piedmont head coach Elizabeth Dally. “Even though it was quite hot, the boys performed really well.”
The Highlanders’ 200 medley relay team of Asher Takazawa, Nik Costello, Connor Carnazzo, and Jeffrey Latronica delivered one of the top performances in school history, advancing to the A final and finishing as the ninth-fastest relay team in California with a time of 1:33.56.
“The boys got to celebrate their A final finish by standing on the podium,” Dally said. “It was a proud moment for me, and I hope they are even more proud of themselves.”
Piedmont’s 400 freestyle relay team of Nik Costello, Connor Carnazzo, Jeffrey Latronica, and Dima Secor also turned in a standout performance, making the B final and finishing 16th in the state with a time of 3:07.91.
The Highlanders were forced to make last-minute lineup adjustments after resident breaststroker Cole Carnazzo was unable to attend because of an AP exam. That meant regular freestyle swimmer Nik Costello stepped into the breaststroke leg on the medley relay, while freshman Jeffrey Latronica was called upon to fill the freestyle spot.
Later in the meet, Asher Takazawa was not feeling well before the 400 freestyle relay, leading the team to rely on its younger swimmers. Freshman Connor Carnazzo stepped in to help the relay secure its top-16 finish.
Left to right: Jeffrey Latronica ,Asher Takazawa, Connor Carnazzo, Nik Costello, Dima Secor 
Nik Costello, Asher Takazawa, Connor Carnazzo & Jeffrey Latronica (left to right ) 200 medley relay
“Both freshmen did a great job, and I am very proud of them for stepping up,” Dally said.
The accomplishments were even more meaningful considering the challenges the team faced throughout the season. With Piedmont’s new community pool still not open, the team trained at four different locations across the East Bay.
“This season proved to be challenging without having a home pool to practice in,” Dally said. “We swam at four different locations, and I want to thank the parents for being so accommodating. It’s a lot of work to drive all over the East Bay, and I am appreciative of them taking the time.”
Dally also praised the athletes for their commitment and resilience during a demanding season.
“I also want to thank the swimmers for giving it their all and practicing hard,” she said. “I am excited to see what next year will bring. Hopefully we will make it to day two of states again.”
Photos courtesy of L. Chan Carnazzo