Winter Honors: Ruckel-Bekefi Reflects on New Records, Winning Streak and Memorable Season
By Colin Burke ’25
Breaking a school record is a milestone many athletes dream of achieving, and for CBA swimmer Alexander Ruckel-Bekefi, that dream became a reality this season.
“It felt great,” Ruckel-Bekefi shared, reflecting on his accomplishment of breaking the 100-yard butterfly school record. “I set this goal for myself at the beginning of the season, so to finally achieve it was very rewarding.”
Ruckel-Bekefi is the CBA Digital Network’s Swimmer of the Year for a season filled with more than just personal bests.
When asked about his favorite memory of his senior campaign, Ruckel-Bekefi immediately pointed out the Shore Conference Championship.
“It’s always very competitive and it brings out the best in everyone,” he said, recalling the intense atmosphere that makes the event unforgettable.
The Shore Conference Championship proved to be Ruckel-Bekefi’s best of the season. He excelled in both individual and relay events, including the 200 and 100 freestyle events as well as the 400 freestyle relay.
Continuing CBA’s dominant legacy, Ruckel-Bekefi expressed pride in extending the team’s winning streaks at both the Shore Conference and Monmouth County Championships. The team notched its 34th consecutive victory at each of those meets.
“It was an incredible feeling to continue our win streaks,” he shared. “CBA Swimming has a long history of winning both championships, so it is always a top priority for us and one of our goals at the beginning of the season.”
At the Monmouth County Championships, Ruckel-Bekefi was a member of the 200 medley relay team that set a new county record.
Fellow senior swimmer Alex Madpak used the word “disciplined” to describe his teammate.
“[Alex] is extremely disciplined and one of the hardest working kids that I know when it comes to swimming,” Madpak said. “He brings an energy to the team that keeps everyone focused on the one goal in mind.”
Although he is graduating this year, Ruckel-Bekefi knows that the team’s consistent success year after year is no accident.
“Our coaches always know how to bring out the best in us,” Ruckel-Bekefi explained. “They keep us motivated and focused, and the whole team supports one another to keep striving for success.”
To wrap up their season, this hardworking crew finished third out of 19 at the annual Bill Braxton Regatta on Mercer County Lake.
With more experience and top results, this Varsity 4 squad will be ready for the championships in the spring.
“The fall will hype up the boys and get them ready for a great spring season,” Keavey said. “The fall season is a time where we go up against teams we will see in the spring, so it is good to see what work we have to put in over the winter.”
