In a few months, Andrew Diano will graduate from Wantagh High School as one of the most accomplished swimmers in school history. As a senior, he set three school records, including breaking his own marks in two separate events.

At the Nassau County tournament, Andrew set Wantagh’s record in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1 minute, 2.92 seconds. While participating in the state tournament in Ithaca, he set the school’s best mark in the 500 freestyle at 4:46.76. And during a dual meet in January, he recorded the fastest time by a Wantagh swimmer in the 200 individual medley at 1:59.68.

Andrew had previously set the Wantagh records in the 200 and 500 races during his sophomore year. When he first set the fastest time in the 200, he broke a record that had stood since 1983. 

“It’s nice that I will have my name up there three times,” he said, referring to a board outside of the gymnasium that lists the school’s record holders in different sports. 

Andrew was an All-County swimmer three times, an All-Conference swimmer four times and competed at the state tournament twice. He started swimming when he was 9 years old with a club team in Farmingdale, and has been a member of Wantagh High School’s varsity squad since seventh grade. For the past two years, he has swam with the Long Island Express club team.

His coach at Wantagh, Chris Rafferty, has high praise for the two-year captain.

“For Andrew to continually improve, year after year, is a testament to his dedication,” Coach Rafferty said. “He sets an example by action and results. His character is the best trophy that he has.”

Even with the amount of time devoted to swimming, Andrew maintains a high GPA and has taken several college-level business classes. He plans to swim while majoring in Iona College, and expects to compete in mostly distance freestyle and butterfly events. 

Andrew puts his swimming skills to good use as a lifeguard. Two years ago, he worked at the Town of Hempstead’s Forest City pool, then moved to the West Bathhouse pool at Jones Beach in 2021. This coming summer, he plans to return to Jones Beach.

He attributes his success to a strong work ethic, great coaching and supportive family and friends.