CIAC, SCC to use Cheshire pool for postseason meets

While the Cheshire Community Pool has had its issues in the past, it has always had a solid reputation among many Connecticut high school coaches who have liked competing in the Olympic-sized pool with its convenient location near I-91 and I-84.

Two high school organizations also have taken notice with the CIAC and the Southern Connecticut Conference deciding to host postseason qualifying events there for the current girls swim season.

The CIAC will hold the Class S qualifying meet there on Nov. 13 at a time to be announced.

“We had normally used some of the state universities for our championships,” said Joe Velardi, who handles CIAC tournament regulations for eight sports, including girls and boys swimming. “While we still have use of Southern Connecticut State, Wesleyan and Yale informed us they were not allowing outside events in their facilities due to the pandemic.

“The Cheshire Community Pool became a prime option because of the quality of the facility and central location. We have not begun to solidify our boys season venues at this time.”

SCC Commissioner Al Carbone cited similar reasons as Velardi for using the Cheshire venue.

“We are using the Cheshire Community Pool for the SCC girls’ qualifier swim meet on Oct. 30, and most likely, the boys will swim their qualifier at CCP in the winter too,” Carbone said. “The SCC championship meet will return to SCSU.”