PEABODY – (Video – Radio – Photos) The Christuks of Newbury are keeping December’s Moynihan Lumber Student/Athlete of the Month award all in the family.
This could be subtitled “the family that swims together stays together.” For their accomplishments both in the pool and in the classroom, senior Connor and sophomore Catherine, both of Bishop Fenwick, are this month’s Moynihan winners.They’re not the first two Christuks to win this award either. Their older brother, Carson,m also won it a few years back.
You’d think this would be a case of “like parents, like children,” but that’s not the case. Neither Christuk parent was a swimmer (although their mother did do synchronized swimming for a time). They just all got into it when they were young. Carson started, Connor followed him, and Catherine was in the pool by the time she was in kindergarten. “I fell in love with it at a young age,” she said. “It’s the drive for success … that rush you feel when you dive off the blocks.”
Connor feels swimming teaches him about life in general. “It’s an individual sport,” he said. “You have to be driven yourself to succeed.” Says his sister, “you really have to understand that it’s important to keep working hard.”
Radio Interview – Conner Christuk, Catherine Christuk, and their coach Kiersten DeWayngaert with Item Sports Editor Steve Krause and Bill Newell
![DSCN0683[1]](http://www.msonewsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/DSCN06831.jpg)
Connor, who is a second year as captain, got off to a fast start in December with two first-place finishes in the 50 free, (25.44 and 23.68) and a first place in the 100 back (1:14.10).
Connor is a three year all-star. Last year, as the team MVP, he held top times in the Catholic Central League in the 200 free, 50 free, 100 fly, 100 free, 500 free, and 100 back. (every event he swam).
Academically, he takes all honors classes and several AP classes as well. He made first honors for the fall quarter and is a member of the National Honor Society. He’s also received the St. Michael’s College Book Club Award and received Fenwick Underclassmen Awards for Health and Wellness (ninth and 10th grade) and the Religion Award (10th and 11th). He was accepted early decision to Providence College, where he plans to study history.
Connor has also received the Albertus Magnus merit scholarship
Catherine also started with a bang last month with two first-place finishes in the 200 free, (2:09.12; 2:05.65) and one in both the 100 breast (1:12.88) and 100 fly, (1:03.13).
Last season, she had nine first place finishes in 14 swims. She held the Catholic Central League Top 3 Times in the 200 free, 200 IM, 50 free, 100 free, 500 free, 100 back and 100 breast. (every event she swam).
At the Catholic Central League Meet she won the 200 free and 100 back, and was also a member of the record breaking first place 200 Medley and 400 Freestyle relays.
She is also a Top Ten New England USA swimmer for the 100 and 200 breaststroke.
Academically, she made first honors in the fall, and takes all honors courses as well as one AP subject.
Both Connor and Catherine do volunteer work for Opportunity Works in Newburyport. In addition, Connor tutors Fenwick students in math and Catherine is a volunteer at the family’s church in Newburyport and is an altar server, Also, Connor just became a Eucharistic minister.
How do they do all this?
“I don’t get much sleep,” Connor said. “I’m always either swimming or studying. You have to make a lot of sacrifices to accomplish what you want to accomplish.”
“He drives (to school),” said Catherine. “At least I get to sleep in the car.”
