Woodland swimmers looking to make waves

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BEACON FALLS — Don’t be fooled by Woodland’s 2-7 dual meet record. The Hawks may have some of the most talented swimmers in the Naugatuck Valley League.

In the last two weeks, the Hawks have dropped close meets to Holy Cross (95-90), Watertown (96-88) and Torrington (99-88). In all three meets Woodland won more individual events than its opponent.

Hawks coach Tom Currier chalks up the near-misses to depth. But if you look at some of Woodland’s individual performances, it will be a team that could make some waves at the NVL championships and at the state level—meets that put more value on elite times than depth.

“Our top guys are doing a phenomenal job,” Currier said. “We just don’t have the depth that other teams do.”
The championship format may be a different story.

“We’ll do much better at the state level,” Currier said. “It makes a big difference when the top can show off and score more points for the team.”

Working towards getting better, Currier said his team has averaged five to 10 best times in each meet. As times improve, the team is increasing its number of state qualifiers.

Thus far, six swimmers and one diver have posted state qualifying results—Lindsay Boland (diving), Adam Trumbley (five events), Patrick O’Dell (seven events), Erik Beaudoin (one event), Eric Dietz (two events), Andrew Cullen (one event) and Andrew O’Dell (four events).

“It goes to show that we having hard working kids who have qualified for the state level,” Currier said.

Boland re-set her school record point total in diving recently with a 223.1 performance. Last year, she hit 197 to set the school mark.

“She could do really well in the NVLs,” Currier said. “[Assistant coach] Brian Mariano has done a great job coaching her.”

Patrick O’Dell continues to be the team’s top all-around swimmer. He qualified for the states in the 500 free on Tuesday against Crosby.

“Patrick is definitely in a category all his own,” Currier said. “To have someone on the team who can do what he does, it’s a wonderful thing to have.”

Currier has also been encouraged by other performers, such as diver Michael Christiano and swimmer Matthew Costa, who is close to qualifying in the butterfly, backstroke and 50 free.

Win or lose, Currier has been pleased with the overall approach of the team.

“The team’s attitude on the swim deck is second to none,” Currier said. “They bring excitement and energy to every meet.”

The Hawks have three more dual meets before the NVLs. Their next home meet is this Friday at 5 p.m. against Masuk.