From May 13th to May 18th, the Bethpage Marine Fitness Team descended upon sunny San Diego, California for the annual National Fitness Competition. Teams from high schools across America went to try and win this competition, and the Bethpage boys and girls from this year’s team had big shoes to fill.

Last year, the boys’ team came in first place in the competition for the first time since 1998, and the girls’ team stunned as well, coming in second place.

This year, the boys’ team placed fourth nationally, still a very impressive accomplishment by all measures, but they did not defend their national title, unfortunately. The team’s top scorers at the competition were Dan Midgette (448), who placed 15th; Captain Nick Whalen (448), who placed 16th; and Joe Landers(445), who placed 18th.

The girls’ team finished in second place nationally, a strong repeat of their result from last year’s competition, and every member of the team placed overall. Shanaz Deen came in 14th overall with a 278; Lauren Nani was 13th with a 282; Julie Considine finished in 11th with a 283; Captain Janine Maggi placed ninth with a score of 292; Selena Phan scored a 323 and came in fifth; and Captain Marybeth Smith finished in third place with a score of 331.

Coach Como had to say this about his team this year: “Even though we faced a long list of injuries, the team never gave up and did exceptionally well in California. On a personal note, I am deeply indebted to them for making this most difficult year much better.”