On March 1 through 4, senior Peter Bue became a New England Champion swimmer when he finished first in the 50 yard freestyle with a time of 21.85 seconds, his personal best and a school record.

“It’s a nice accomplishment. I’m happy with my performance,” Bue said.

Bue’s New England Championship capped off a remarkable senior year. In addition to becoming a New England champion, Bue finished strongly at the Division 2 State Swimming Championships, held on February 25. At States, Bue placed second in the 50 yard freestyle (22.21) and 3rd in the 100 yard back stroke (55.10). He was named Co-MVP of the Commonwealth Athletic Conference (CAC), and also named to the conference’s all-star team.

For all his accolades, Bue never really decided he was going to swim competitively.

“It just sort of happened,” Bue says of his career. “I got into swimming at a young age by taking lessons at the YMCA and then moved onto a club team, where you start to get into competitions.”

Swimming coach Mr. Tom Wright has instructed Bue dating back to those club days, when they were introduced at the New Wave Swim Club.

“I’ve been coaching Pete since he was in 6th or 7th grade. I think it’s cool that I’ve been with him for a while and have been able to watch him grow as a swimmer,” Wright said.

Bue’s career is as illustrious as any male swimmer in Tyngsborough’s history. If numbers tell the story, one could make the argument that Bue is the single greatest swimmer to ever compete for Tyngsborough. Bue holds 6 of the 8 individual school swimming records, including the 200 freestyle (1:53.53), 50 freestyle (21.85), 100 butterfly (58.21), 100 freestyle (48.97), 500 freestyle (5:21.93), and 100 backstroke (55.10). In addition, Bue competed on all three record holding relay teams. He has qualified for state’s ever since his freshman year.

“Pete’s a dedicated swimmer who is not just a participant but also a student of the sport,” Wright said.

“I’ve always been able to hold my own,” Bue added.