NAUGATUCK — Despite graduating nearly 20 seniors a year ago, the Naugatuck boys swimming and diving team could be even better than their fourth-place finish last season in the NVLs.
The Greyhounds return depth in most events that will prompt competitive practices, interesting meets and a serious run at the conference crown.
Led by senior captains Michael Cocchiola, Michael Lauer and Evan Vaz, the ‘Hounds will feature a mix of seasoned returners and up-and-comers. All three captains should be swimming in multiple meets, according to Naugy head coach Jim McKee.
The combination could make a big splash as the season progresses.
“All of these kids are coming in and working their butts off,” McKee said of the entire team.
McKee said that most events already have three or four swimmers penciled in to start the season. The lineup, however, could change.
Other seniors Darren Brown, Tayron Haxhia, Thomas Karvelis and Alex Triscritti will be called on to provide leadership. What makes this roster unique is that the senior class has the least amount of swimmers.
“We’re probably already four deep of equal ability in about half the events,” McKee said.
The junior class showcases nine swimmers and a diver. Nick Fox, Ivan Glorioso, Matthew Jackmen, Martin Lippai, Jesen Mezzio, Lucas Pimentel, Nicholas Ryan, Daniel Solberg and Colby Storm. Brittiney Gallagher, also a junior, will compete in the diving event.
The sophomore class includes two swimmers that made waves as freshmen at the NVLs. Graden Beasley could be the team’s No. 1 diver and one of the team’s top three freestylers.
Also expect Evan Bomberry to build off last season’s eighth-place finish in the 500 at the NVLs. Bomberry also qualified for two events at the states.
Sophomore Matthew Goggin will also be competing to swim in three, perhaps four events, McKee said. Goggin specializes in the free.
Omari Solomon, who performed well as a rookie in the NVLs in the 500 and 400 free relay, returns after competitive swimming in the off-season.
Sophomores Peter Morrissey, Ben Rossi, David Ruela, Robert Spino, Brandon Thomas, Matthew Triscritti and Alexio Valente will also by vying for multiple races, while Eric Cruz will compete as a diver.
The Greyhounds also welcome 13 freshmen, including several that may break in and score points immediately for Naugy.
Freshman Brian Goggin could be a point scorer in the freestyle events, while Sammy Ayash, Macie Best (diving), James DeBisschop, Erin Doris, Elliot Dupont, Cameron Litwinka, Matthew Raupach, Nicholas Raupach, Jeremy Raupach, Savan Sajous, Lauren Stankiewicz (diving) and Dylan Triscritti are all learning the ropes.
“The freshmen are coming and working hard,” McKee said. “This is where it begins to become a competitive swimmer.”
A new rule change may make this season even more interesting. NVL dual meets no longer count towards a teams point total at the NVL finals, which could alter how some league coaches prepare for and compete in NVL meets.
McKee said his team’s approach will be consistent.
“We want to do everything correctly and then be ready for when the big meet comes,” McKee said.
After only a week of practice, McKee said his team is making progress.
“I’m encouraged,” he said. “We may be in a position to compete for the title.”
The Greyhounds are scheduled to take on Kennedy and Glastonbury Wednesday to open the season.
