West Hartford crosstown rival Conard stands in the way of a perfect season for Hall.

Hall’s Kobe Dominguez on his way to a win In the 500-yard freestyle. Hall vs. Classical Magnet/University boys swimming and diving. March 9, 2021. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

By Paul Palmer

Jonah Genser was on a mission Tuesday when the Hall boys swim team hosted Classical Magnet/University. The sophomore diver wanted to achieve a hallmark he had just missed the last time out.

“He was upset with himself after the last meet when he didn’t perform a dive as good as he could and it cost him the school record,” said longtime Hall coach John McClure. “Now that he’s done it, he can take the pressure off himself,” McClure added.

Genser’s 229.50 five-dive total broke the Hall mark that had stood since 2001 by more than 7 points.

Diver Jonah Genser shows the scoresheet recording his school record performance on Tuesday. Hall vs. Classical Magnet/University boys swimming and diving. March 9, 2021. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

Hall is undefeated on the season, and entered the meet knowing that Classical/University was coming in with a small team and no divers. Many of McClure’s swimmers swam events other than their best events and still performed well. The 84-49 score was a fair indication of how the meet went with the Warriors winning nearly every event on the day.

Senior Mitch Baboff won the 100-yard backstroke and took second in 100-yard butterfly. Senior Kobe Dominguez – who will swim at Southern Connecticut next year – easily won the 500-yard freestyle.

Hall senior Mitch Baboff swimming butterfly. Hall vs. Classical Magnet/University boys swimming and diving. March 9, 2021. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

“I didn’t know what to expect this season,” said McClure. “But our seniors have been really good.”

The Warriors also got good performances from Dom Roussos, who won the 200-yard freestyle, and came in third in the 100 free, while sophomore Carson Raisner, who has had a breakthrough season in backstroke and butterfly, won the 100 free.

Carson Raisner of Hall enters the water as part of the Warriors’ 400-yard freestyle relay team. Hall vs. Classical Magnet/University boys swimming and diving. March 9, 2021. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

The chance for perfection comes down to one final meet against Conard next Tuesday and McClure knows it will be his teams toughest challenge of the season. “They’ve got the best team we will meet, I think. It will be a good meet and the seniors are going top have to lead the way.”

The coach could not recall his last undefeated boys team, but knows no matter what, this year’s team has already achieved more than most others. “It’s been challenging but the kids have been great,” McClure said of his team. “We’ve had practice times all over the place and the kids and their parents have really been flexible with it all [in this situation].”

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no conference or State Open championships for the swimmers or divers. Instead, Hall and Conard will meet in an un-scored meet on the March 23, with the winning times being submitted for All-State consideration.

Backstroke swimmers start the 200-yard medley relay. Hall vs. Classical Magnet/University boys swimming and diving. March 9, 2021. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

Hall sophomore Carson Raisner on his way to victory in the 100-yard freestyle. Hall vs. Classical Magnet/University boys swimming and diving. March 9, 2021. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

Hall’s Liam Hosey swims the backstroke as part of the 200-yard individual medley. Hosey Finished Second In the race. Hall vs. Classical Magnet/University boys swimming and diving. March 9, 2021. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

Hall’s Matt Scobbo swims his way to first place in the 100-yard breaststroke. Hall vs. Classical Magnet/University boys swimming and diving. March 9, 2021. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

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