The annual rivalry between coach for the East Boston High School co-ed swim team, Dave Arinella, and coach for Latin Academy co-ed swim team, Mark Thomas, Monday was a bittersweet affair Monday at the Paris Street Pool.
Arinella and Thomas s three-decade-old rivalry will end after this season with Thomas s retirement from Latin Academy.
Arinella and the East Boston swim team presented the longtime Latin Academy coach with a plaque for his work in the sport showing that not all rivalries are fueled by bitterness but by mutual respect.
No one has done more for the sport and keeping the sport alive in the Boston Public Schools than Coach Thomas, said Arinella.
Over the years nothing has brought out the best in the Eastie and Latin swimmers than this annual meet.
The rivalry is strong, said Coach Arinella. The kids really step up their competitive spirit and its good for swimming in the city.