Old Cape Recycling Scholar Athlete: Nguyen’s team-first attitude set example for EHT boys swimming

By TIMOTHY MEDINA
Student correspondent
For a student-athlete, success can only be measured on the field if it is matched in the classroom. This is something Egg Harbor Township’s Ben Nguyen stands by on a daily basis. His dedication to both competing for the boys swimming team and earning academic recognition is what stands out the most about this senior.
Nguyen started swimming at the age of 8 and has continued to swim, both for his high school team and club. Eagles coach Mark Jamieson recognizes Nguyen as an essential part of this past season’s spectacular boys swimming team.

“When Ben is on he has enough energy to support the whole program. I’m thrilled Ben finished his senior season the way he did with the two best times against Cherry Hill East in the sectional final. Besides physical growth, he’s developed into what the model of a student-athlete should be,” Jamieson said.
Nguyen has made a name for himself both on and off the pool deck, being named as a captain of the team as well as receiving honors for his performances.
“The feeling of being a captain on the boys swimming team is like no other,” he said. “As a captain, I feel like my actions have an effect on the underclassmen. It means the world for me to be able to guide a group of swimmers to success along with giving them my personal experiences over the last four years of my high school swimming career.”
Nguyen’s encouraging spirit hasn’t gone unnoticed. Jamieson is one of the first ones to compliment his support of the team.
“He has always been a great ‘team’ guy. He’s the first to congratulate others on their swims and pick them up when it was needed,” the coach said.
When asked about Nguyen’s academics and what it means to the program, Jamieson had nothing but praise for the senior.
“Academics are a huge part of our program,” he said. “Ben is one of our many swimmers on National Honor Society. I know with the education he received here at Egg Harbor Township High School he will continue to excel in his studies at whichever university he chooses.”
When it comes to colleges, Nguyen seems to have things figured out after his final season swimming for EHT.
“After high school I plan on attending college, majoring in biochemistry. While I am still undecided, I have applied to a plethora of schools, both in-state and out,” he said.
When all is said and done, Nguyen said he is pleased with the work he put in, both in class and with swimming. He praises both his team and coach for the amount of support he’s received over the years.
“There are never enough words in the world for me to express my gratefulness and gratitude toward coach Jamieson and my fellow teammates,” Nguyen said. “Thank you for pushing me and standing by my side these last four years. Through the great times and the rough times, I wouldn’t have wanted to swim in the end lanes with anyone else. Thank you for all these great memories. I wish the best of luck to all the graduating seniors and the rest of my teammates.”
Coach Jamieson said he expects nothing but great things from Nguyen: “I hope to see him in the pool again someday competing, there is still a lot of success to be had.”