The Herald-Courier

Franklinville senior excels in and out of the water



On Thursday, Jan. 17, the Olean Varsity Swim Team (combined Olean, Franklinville, and Allegany) brought home another win with a 58-18 victory against Cuba/Rushford. Olean is now 7-2 on the season. The meet was held in the Franklinville pool, honoring senior Dominic Breton in his last Varsity Home Meet.

In his departure, Breton won the 50 Free and was leadoff in the first place 200-free relay. Several other Franklinville swimmers contributed to the win: sophomore Nicholas Hillman- first place in 200 Individual Medley; freshman Sean Howard- first place in 100-free and 200 Relay; and freshman Patrick Freedman, second in 500-free.

During the mid-meet break, Dominic, the son of Rhonda Brol (Chris Brol) and Joe Breton was recognized as Franklinville’s outgoing senior. He has been swimming for the past three seasons under Olean’s Head Coach Daniel Brown and Assistants Ben Wright (Olean) and Jennifer Landow (Franklinville), and seven years with the Franklinville PAWS Swim Team.

Breton is a very versatile swimmer, often seen swimming the 200 Individual Medley (which includes 50 yards of all four strokes) and 100 Breaststroke along with the freestyle events.

Breton is characterized as a humble, passionate, resilient, and confident young man who has provided strong leadership as a captain for the young Olean Team. 

When asked what advice he would give to those choosing swimming as a sport, he said:

“It’s not easy, but it’s worth it! You must push through to get the results you want and when you do, the feeling is like nothing else.”

His worst fear in a meet has always been getting disqualified. 

“The first time was the worst. It happens to the best; shake it off and come back stronger in the next event.”

Breton not only excels in the water but is also a scholar-athlete. He is currently in the top five of his senior class while holding a 100+ average. He is a member of the National Honor Society, class president (five years), JCC Student of the Year, and named Cattaraugus County Student of the Week. 

Breton is also a recipient of the St. Bonaventure Presidential Scholarship and Leonard Bernstein Musical Award. He was accepted into All County Band and Chorus, Area All-State Band, and Area All-State Chorus. His other extra-curricular activities include Jazz Band, Youth Court, Drama Club, and Spanish Club. 

He has also been a member of the Cross Country Team and the Baseball Team. He is also the Franklinville PAWS Student Athlete represented from 2019-present. 

He plans to attend college for Forensic Science but is undecided about where that will be. The coaches would like to thank the seniors for their hard work and dedication to the team. You have been an inspiration on and off the deck!

Photos provided
Dominic Breton began his swim career with the Franklinville PAWS Swim Team. Here, he is pictured at one of those meets years ago.

Photos provided
Breton excels in the Breaststroke and Butterfly. Here he competes in the 200 Butterfly.

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