Weston captures 6th straight crown

WEST HARTFORD — There was just no stopping the Weston High School boys swimming and diving team in its quest for its sixth consecutive state title.

Despite qualifying only nine swimmers and four divers, the Trojans piled up 644 points to win the Class M championship meet, which culminated with the swimming events Wednesday afternoon at the Cornerstone Aquatics Center.

Daniel Hand finished second with 583.5 points, followed by Wethersfield (547), Notre Dame of West Haven (373) and Suffield/ East Windsor (342.5).

“This was a team victory. Our divers did a great job and our swimmers did a great job,” said Weston senior Nathan Katz, who swam in four events Wednesday and won four gold medals. “I’ve won for four years in a row now. It feels great.”

It’s been quite a run for Weston, which had won four straight Class S titles before winning the last two Class M crowns. The Trojans have placed either first or second in their state championship meet every year since 2006, and have captured three consecutive runner-up trophies at the South-West Conference championships as well.

Weston entered the swimming portion of the event with a handful of points in its pocket from the diving competition, which was held on Friday at Bulkeley High School in Hartford. All four Trojans divers placed in the top 15, led by state champ Liam Simmons (443.45 points) and Parker Smith in sixth place (361.20).

“Our divers were really the big reason we won this meet,” said Weston’s firstyear coach, Brandon Barone. “Daniel Hand swam amazingly, and in terms of swimming, they actually outscored us. But our diving program is incredible. All four of our divers placed highly, and mentally, that gave us a big edge going into the meet that we had that in our back pocket.”