Newtown Swimmers Compete (And Have Fun) In SWC Meet

By Andy Hutchison

MONROE — The Newtown High School swimming and diving team competed in the South-West Conference Championships last week. The diving event was held October 29 and the swimming competition was on October 30 at Masuk High School.

Maggie Atkinson was the highest team scorer with 37 points. She was eighth in 100 backstroke (1:06.13) and ninth in the 200 IM (2:24.45). She also swam as part of the 200 and 400 freestyle relay teams. Leah Barret scored 33 points. She was 11th in the 100 free (59.91), ninth in 100 back (1:06.15) and swam in the 200 medley relay and 400 free relay. Kelsey McEvoy scored 28 points by finishing 10th in 50 freestyle (27.51) and eighth in the 100 freestyle (59.64). She also swam in the 200 freestyle and 400 freestyle relays.

Megan Baylis scored 23 points. She was 17th in the 200 IM (2:32.51), seventh in 100 breaststroke and was in the 200 medley relay. Kat Donahue scored 18 points. She was 16th in both the 50 free (27.76) and 100 free (1:01.09), and swam in the 200 medley and 200 freestyle relays. Maggie Hoolehan scored 15 points. She was 17th in both the 50 free (28.68) and 100 free (1:01.12), and swam in the 200 freestyle and 200 medley relays. Krysta Gates scored eight points. She was 18th in the 200 free (2:13.84) and 12th in 500 free (5:58.44). Diver Lauren Sudbey had 14 points after a fourth place finish.

Head Coach Mary Atkinson said the coaching staff was pleased with the swimmers’ times and that many had personal bests. She said that Atkinson, Barrett, McEvoy, and Sudbey have all automatically qualified for this weekend’s state competition based on their times/scores and that other NHS swimmers could earn spots depending on competitors’ results.

Pomperaug easily won the SWC meet, but the environment at the pool was a win-win for the local swimmers who had to earn their way into the meet to swim against all of their conference foes (and friends).

“I think the spirit is awesome. Everyone is really excited to be here. It’s definitely one of the most fun meets of the season,” Barret said.

Fans in the bleachers and swimmers standing around the perimeter of the pool alike cheered on the girls in the water as each event took place. Evelyn Fahey, who swam the 200 and 500, said the atmosphere made the swimmers more energized.

“All the teams are here, so you get to compete against more people,” Donahue added.

The championship atmosphere was new to freshman Michelle Isabella, who competed in the 100 breaststroke. “It’s a little nerve-racking because there are so many other teams here. I’m really happy. I didn’t expect to get to SWCs.”