By David Fierro

Megan McGorry is in her first season as coach of the Cheshire High School boys swimming team, but she’s certainly no stranger to the state’s swim scene.

McGorry arrived at Cheshire after guiding the Hamden boys squad for four seasons and serving as an assistant girls coach at East Haven for one year.

A 2007 West Haven High School graduate, McGorry was an all-state swimmer for the Westies, before taking her swim skills to Central Connecticut State University and Fordham University.

Now she’s heading Cheshire’s traditionally strong program, which has continued to thrive. Heading into Thursday night’s home meet against SCC rival Daniel Hand, the Rams sported a record of 8-1, with their only defeat coming against conference foe Fairfield Prep.

So indeed, things have gone swimmingly for the Rams and McGorry.

“We are 8-1 and thrilled about that,” McGorry said. “Our team stepped up and swam well in our loss against Fairfield Prep and we had a big win against Xavier, where our boys also really stepped up. More than half the team got best times.”

Cheshire’s first-year coach knew she was taking over a squad that placed a strong ninth as last season’s Class LL championships and 12th at the State Open finals, but she’s pleasantly surprised at the consistent performances she’s seen from each competitor.

“I didn’t expect to see so many personal-best times this early in the season,” McGorry said. “When we start tapering as the postseason meets approach, they will be even quicker. Everyone has been working really hard in practice and swimming fast each meet.”

Junior Sam Hanke is one of the swimmers who has sparked the Rams. Hanke placed eighth in the 100 backstroke at last season’s Class LL finals (54.38) and was 12th at the State Open. He also had a top-20 finish in the 200 freestyle and continued his success in each event this winter.

“He’s somebody who steps up every meet,” McGorry said of Hanke. “We always expect a firstor second-place finish from him. Sam also helps with our motivational talks to the team, keeping them pumped up.”

Hanke has provided plenty of points for the team by posting impressive times in the 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke. The relay events have also seen him make his mark.

“His freestyle and backstroke are equally strong at this point of the season,” McGorry said. “Against Xavier, he anchored our relay (200 freestyle relay) and we got the win in the relay, then competed in the 100 backstroke without any rest. He has a lot of fight in him.”

Like last season, senior Joseph Cannata, one of the captains, has excelled in the 100-yard breaststroke and 200 individual medley. Cannata, who will swim at Fairfield University next season, has also registered solid times in the 100 freestyle.

At the 2018 State Open championships, Cannata was 10th in the 100 breaststroke (59.23).

“In one of our first meets, we had one relay with all brand-new swimmers,” McGorry said. “They were far behind everyone, so before they finished, he called everyone over to their lane to encourage them — he’s a great captain.”

Richmond Le and Peter Levens are also senior captains. Le is one of the team’s leaders in the 100 breaststroke and Levens helps key the 100 freestyle and 100 backstroke events.

“All three captains provide great motivation to their teammates,” McGorry said.

A freshman, Shane Wynne has emerged as one of the Rams’ more versatile athletes. He provides depth in the 100 butterfly, 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle.

“He has been very consistent and we can always count on him to step up and give his absolute best,” McGorry said.

Junior Andrew Lou (50, 100 freestyle), freshman Vincent Zhu (100 breaststroke, 200 IM), senior Ankit Sahasrabudhe (100 butterfly), freshman Anmol Sapru (100 butterfly, relay events), sophomore Evan Levine (200 IM, 200 freestyle, 100 breaststroke), Justin Finkel (sophomore, 500 freestyle), Harry Hua (sophomore, 200 IM, backstroke) and Wesley Johnson (freshman, backstroke, relays) are among some of the swimmers who have ignited the team of more than 40 athletes.

“I feel so lucky coaching this team, and our coaching staff (diving coach Kim Christensen, assistant swim coach Patty Conte) are the glue that helps hold the team together,” said McGorry, who broke several school records while swimming for Fordham’s Atlantic-10 championship team. “My biggest goals are enabling everyone on the team to progress individually, so we can get stronger as a team.”