Hawks swimming in right direction

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Woodland’s Greg Aldrich does the butterfly during the 200 IM Dec. 22 versus Northwestern in Beacon Falls. Northwestern won the meet, 99-78. –ELIO GUGLIOTTI

BEACON FALLS — The Hawks are right where boys swimming head coach Tom Currier needs them to be two meets into the season.

“Kids who were here last year are getting close to their best times, so that’s impressive considering it’s pretty early in the season,” said Currier following Woodland’s Dec. 22 out-of-league meet against Northwestern. “A lot of the underclassmen that are new are doing better than we were expecting, so we’re happily surprised.”

Woodland opened the season Dec. 20 with a 103-77 win over Crosby/Waterbury Career. The Hawks took first in nine of 12 events, led by double-winners Colin Kennelly (50 freestyle and 100 freestyle) and Jake Stow (100 butterfly and 100 backstroke).

Two days later, Woodland welcomed Northwestern out of Winsted. The Highlanders, a deep and fast coed squad that Woodland will see again at the Class S state meet, swam past the Hawks to a 99-78 victory.

Despite the outcome, Currier was pleased with what his Hawks (1-1) showed him against Northwestern (1-0). The Hawks were much more confident in their ability to swim, pushed harder and weren’t afraid, he said.

Stow took first in the 100 backstroke (1:08.19) and Greg Aldrich finished first in the 100 breaststroke (1:15.90). The 400 freestyle relay squad of Kennelly, Jeff Varesio, Stow and Aldrich also took first in 4:02.93.

For the second time in as many meets Riley Clark won the diving event. His score of 214.70 against Northwestern has the sophomore knocking on the door of the school record of 223.10.

“They’ve improved since [the Crosby/Waterbury Career meet], so we’re going in the right direction,” Currier said.

The Hawks also showed Currier what he wanted to see out of the pool with the way they cheered on their teammates and the Highlanders. If not for the different colors on their bathing suits, it would have been difficult to tell the Hawks and Highlanders apart as both teams cheered each other on from the pool deck.

That kind of sportsmanship is a trait Currier works to instill in his team, and a big reason he continues to schedule Northwestern.

Woodland’s Colin Kennelly competes in the 100 freestyle Dec. 22 versus Northwestern in Beacon Falls. Northwestern won the meet, 99-78. –ELIO GUGLIOTTI

“That’s what swimming’s about. You want to beat everybody in the pool, but after that it’s cheering,” Currier said. “We’ve all been stuck by ourselves in the pool swimming and it’s nice to have the crowd behind you.”

The Hawks have an extended holiday break and won’t be back in the pool again until Jan. 4 when they will visit Torrington.

Currier planned to give the Hawks a few days off to let their body’s heal before “we hit the gas pedal.” After spending the first few weeks getting in shape and focusing on technique, Currier said the plan now is to speed things up and get into swimming shape.

When Woodland takes the trip up Route 8 to Torrington next week, Currier wants to see more of what he’s already seen from the Hawks.

“Keep going in the direction we’re going, working hard,” Currier said. “My biggest thing is cheering, team comradery and trying their best. That’s why we’re here, racing and to have fun racing. They can do that, they’ll go fast.”