Greenwich wins eighth straight title
WEST HARTFORD — Greenwich boys swim coach Terry Lowe calls his plunge into the pool his “Survivor stroke.” He has been called on to stay afloat the last eight times a State Open championship has been held.
“It feels good,” said Lowe of his annual rite of spring. “It’s fun to see the kids rise to the occasion. To win three relays, diving, the breaststroke, the butterfly was wonderful.”
Greenwich’s total of 611 bested Pomperaug (367)) and New Canaan (357).
The top finishers set the pace from the outset
Greenwich’s Liam Flaherty, Michael Dilascia, Justin Jacob and Aiden Bucaria opened the meet by winning the 200 medley relay in 1:34.70, with Bucaria’s closing 20.84 sealing the decision. New Canaan (1:35.79) was second. Pomperaug (1:35.83) was third.
Greenwich’s Ryan Jee captured the 100 butterfly when the senior posted a time of 49.29 from the four seed.
“I don’t know to to describe the feeling,” said Jee, who will swim at Colgate. “We had two years off as a team and have come together. This is an experience like no other. There is nothing better than winning as a team and also taking a first to help.”
Jee, Kegan Clark, Dislascia and Andrew Dyment added the 200 freestyle relay title in 1:26.56.
Bucaria was the 100 breaststroke champ in 56.31.
Flaherty, Clark, Bucaria and Jee closed the meet by winning the 400 freestyle relay.
Ridgefield Jack Clancy led from start to finish to take the opening individual event, the 200 freestyle (1:40.63). A sophomore, Clancy also placed first in the 500 freestyle (4:34.34).
Elliot Lee from Hand captured the 200 IM title with a time of 1:48.86 to edge Jee (1:49.80). The sophomore added to his gold medal collection in the 100 freestyle (45.72).
“This was a real competitive field,” Lee said. “I took a breathe in the 200 IM and could see my friends and teammates cheering. They were all waiting for me at the finish (of both races). I’m proud to represent Hand and get our team name in the record book.”
Mikel Palaj from Bristol co-op added an Open title to his state crown in the 50 freestyle (21.13 seconds).
North Haven co-op junior Brendan Conners earned gold in the 100 backstroke with a time of 49.90.
Whitaker Grover from Greenwich scored a 565.252 to win diving.
Greenwich (Class LL), New Canaan (L), Pomperaug (M) and Holy Cross (S) came in with division titles.
Fairfield Prep was Open champ in 2012. Pomperaug in 2010. New Canaan in 2007.