Jake Goldstein Swims to
Blue Devil History
Jack Goldstein is serious about swimming. On a typical morning, the Huntington High School junior wakes up at 4 a.m. and is in the pool at the Nassau Aquatic Center at Eisenhower Park an hour later for a full workout before hustling to school for the start of classes.
The teenager has been swimming competitively for 12 years. A three-time All-County and two-time All-State performer, Goldstein is one of the greatest Blue Devil swimmers ever. He's currently under consideration for All-American honors after turning in another fine scholastic season.
"It's been a great journey," Goldstein said last weekend about his Huntington swimming career. The Blue Devils practice at the YMCA but since the school does not have a pool of its own, the team's meets are all on the road. But that hasn't stopped Goldstein from going undefeated in league competition for two consecutive years.
Goldstein is one of the top individual medley, backstroke and butterfly swimmers in Suffolk and he broke a string of school records this past winter in a variety of races and strokes
Huntington head coach Gil Smith said the teenager is one of only two Blue Devil swimmers ever to break a minute in all four strokes. Goldstein is proud of his past achievements and looking forward to his senior year.
Swimming is a year-round sport for those seeking to be the best and Goldstein counts himself a member of that group. His training regimen varies but some days he will swim 15,000 yards. "I love giving 110 percent," the senior said.
When he's not swimming with his Huntington teammates he's with the Long Island Aquatic Club. It's a grueling commitment but the teenager has not let it overwhelm his life. "I have been able to find a balance between swimming and school," Goldstein said.
He's developed "great friendships" through the years with the senior swimmers on the team. They've pushed him and he's pushed them. "I love giving 110 percent," he said.
Goldstein has his eyes set on an Ivy League college and he definitely wants to swim there. In the meantime, he's looking forward to making a run at a state title next fall and finishing his Blue Devil career on the top step of the victory stand.