Youth swimmers in Newtown’s Recreation program, the Torpedoes, as well as at Rock Ridge Country Club, made a big splash with practices and meets throughout the summer. Ranging in age from 7 to 14, and in ability from beginner to various levels of experience, the young freestylers, breaststrokers, butterfliers, and backstrokers sharpened skills under the direction of high school and collegiate swimmers from town.

The Torpedoes are led by Head Coach Mopsey Seaver, a former Newtown High School standout out (Class of 2020 and who went on to swim at the collegiate level). Seaver graduated from Lafayette College in Easton, Pa. this spring after competing at the Division I level during the last four years.

“I always love coming back,” Seaver, a former Torpedo, said during a late-July meet at Rock Ridge, adding that it is enjoyable to see where her competitive swimming career began.

“It’s been a lot of fun. We have a lot new swimmers and it’s been really fun to watch them grow,” added Seaver who, with the help of assistant coaches, guided these participants during practices at Treadwell Park each weekday morning from late June through the beginning of August.

Some of the possible future Newtown High team members, among 50 Torpedoes this summer, had their first taste of competition and have come a long way in a matter of weeks.

Connor Kwarcinski, who set records while in the NHS pool and graduated this spring, has helped out with the Torpedoes for the past few years and enjoys helping play a part in the growth of the sport.

“It’s always good passing on my knowledge to the younger generations. I just have fun working with them and I love to see them improve,” Kwarcinski said. “I want to make sure they pursue this sport in the future.”

Maddy Watson, another 2024 NHS graduate, is among the coaches at Rock Ridge and has enjoyed imparting her knowledge of swimming to the girls and boys. “It’s great. We’ve been having such a great summer. It’s good seeing them improve,” Watson said.

Watch for the young Torpedoes to make their mark at the high school level and beyond in the years to come.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.