West Hartford’s Conard High School hosted Classical Magnet/University Tuesday at Cornerstone Aquatics Center.

Conard’s Connor Bankoff swims breaststroke as part of the 200-yard medley relay. Conard boys swimming and diving vs. Classical Magnet/University. Feb. 16, 2021. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

By Paul Palmer

Boys high school swimming took a big hit with the cancellation of last season’s championships.

Entering this season, things are not as they used to be, but that did not stop the Conard boys team from opening with a decisive win over an under-manned Classical Magnet/University team.

Senior captain Liam Switzer got things off to a strong start with a fast-opening backstroke leg of the 200-yard medley relay. Connor Bankoff, Charles Kracj, and Andy Filotto kept the pace and the lead to a Conard 1-2 finish.

Conard coach Amy Poulton was pleased with the effort shown by her swimmers. “It’s been a little different as we can’t mix cohorts at practice, but they have all come to every practice.”

Switzer would swim at 24:28 to take first place in the 50-yard freestyle. He was followed by Benjamin Hammond for the Chieftains.

Classical/University was swimming up steam all day, competing with fewer than a dozen swimmers. Conard would take each event in the meet with divers Daniel Kamin and Max Langwell competing only against themselves in the diving.

Kracj returned with a win in the 100-yard butterfly, and Swizter took the 100-yard freestyle to lead a Conard sweep with Justice Seymour finishing second and Filotto taking third.

“We have good chances in our meets this year,” Poulton said. “We are small but mighty.”

Conard captain Liam Switzer cheers on teammates during the 500-yard freestyle. Conard boys swimming and diving vs. Classical Magnet/University. Feb. 16, 2021. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

Conard’s Daniel Kaman completes his diving rotation. Conard boys swimming and diving vs. Classical Magnet/University. Feb. 16, 2021. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

Conard boys swimming and diving vs. Classical Magnet/University. Feb. 16, 2021. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

Conard boys swimming and diving vs. Classical Magnet/University. Feb. 16, 2021. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

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