Athlete of the Week: Brian Pawlowski

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Brian Pawlowski, a senior at Glastonbury High School, competed in the state championships as a freshman and is primed to make his return to the big dance this winter.
           
After two years without a state tournament because of the COVID-restrictions, Pawlowski is slated to swim at the Class LL state meet in multiple events, both individually and on relay teams. 
           
“We were more hyped coming into this year and knowing we’d have [a tournament] just boosted our morale,” said Pawlowski. “We have a normal meet scheduled, so we’re able to compete and overall I think we’ll do better that everything is back to normal.”
           
Pawlowski, who is one of eight seniors, is captaining the team with Ben Boisoneau and Evan Scott. 
           
He, along with fellow senior Jay Shah, are the only two Guardians with state tournament experience after competing in the Class LL tourney in the winter of 2019.
           
Pawlowski has patiently waited for a chance to again showcase his swimming skills on a state level. His said his training improved, particularly during last year’s shortened season when all the meets were virtual and the team was often forced to compete against each other.    
           
“We are really close and we pride ourselves on that. We are friends outside of swimming and that really helps. Even during Covid we tried to keep each other motivated and found ways to train,” said the team leader. “I have more confidence this year in the fact that we have a whole year and I’m more confident in the training as well, and I’ve been trying to help other swimmers now.”
           
Pawlowski is a versatile, possessing an ability to swim a variety of distances and strokes. He has state-qualifying times in a handful of events, including his favorite individual, the 200 freestyle, and favorite relay, the 200 medley relay. 
           
As a team, the Guardians have won seven of eight meet this winter and are set to make a postseason push during the conference and state meets which are coming up in early March. 
           
GHS is particularly strong in the relays, which Pawlowski stated is an indication on how close the team is.  
           
“The chemistry is really important with the relay team because at the end of the day swimming is really a team sport. In the relays you can see all the hard work paying off together, added Pawlowski. “We are able to help each other because we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”
           
Outside the pool, Pawlowski is part of Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) and runs for the school’s outdoor track and field team in the spring, specializing in the 400 and 200 meters. 
           
He also has a passion for music, playing the piano and violin. 
           
​Pawlowski said he’d like to continue to swim at the next level and plans to study political science in college.