Newtown High And Brookfield Swim For A Good Cause, In Memory Of Greg Chion

By Andy Hutchison

It was a win-win scenario no matter who came out on top in the January 14 boys’ swimming and diving meet between Newtown High School and visiting Brookfield. The teams and school athletic department representatives, as they do every year around the time of their clash, raised money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America in memory of former Newtown High School swimmer Greg Chion who lost his battle with leukemia in 2000.

Chion swam under the direction of Coach Brian Reiff, who now coaches at Brookfield, bringing the rival schools together for a great cause.

Brookfield, always one of the best teams in the South-West Conference, knocked off Newtown 105-76, but Reiff reminded the swimmers and attendees that the annual clash was about so much more than fast swim times. During the meet’s postdiving event break, Reiff spoke to the swimmers and fans in the bleachers about his memories of Chion. A nine-year coach at NHS before moving on, Reiff tossed in a little humor to suggest the swim team had a “real coach now” but was choked up and battled back tears throughout his speech.

“To know Greg was to love him. He was very active in all things in Newtown. He was in the band, National Honor Society and, of course, captain of our swim team,” Reiff said. “We unite as one to raise awareness for leukemia in Greg’s memory.”

Reiff, along with his NHS successor and former NHS coach Matt Childs, as well as Newtown High Athletic Director Gregg Simon and Associate Athletic Director Carl Strait, decided to hold the meet in honor of Chion eight years ago. By the time of the meet, about $600 had been collected this year, and more than $8,000 has been raised throughout the years, Reiff said.

“I find it very important,” NHS swimmer Logan Mammen said of the fundraising efforts, adding that there are important things other than sports that need attention.

The Nighthawk swimmers lost their second meet in a row, following three straight wins to begin the year. The team had an unusual week with only one day of practice thanks to the meet schedule and snow days.

“All things considered, we did pretty well today,” NHS Coach Zach Gauvin said following the Brookfield meet. The coach added that some of the up-and-coming swimmers, including Scott Schmidt and Brendan Peterson, in the 50-yard freestyle events, had their personal best times.

Newtown faced perennial SWC powerhouse and defending state champion Pomperaug of Southbury on January 11, and fell 106-80. As Gauvin pointed out, the meet remained close until the final few events and did not go into exhibition as they often do for teams facing Pomperaug.

“I think we really stepped it up and swam really well against a really high-quality team,” the coach said.

The Nighthawks certainly were put to the test after three pretty easy wins to start the campaign, and the swimmers appreciate the challenge.

“It makes you more focused and more determined to get a best time,” breaststroke standout Abben Hung said.

The season, as a whole, has been an enjoyable one for the NHS swimmers and divers. Maggie Korth, the team’s top diver, looks forward to continuing to work on her dives as she works toward the postseason competitions. “It’s a challenge. You have to push yourself to do all of the tricks,” said Korth, adding that diving coach Ryan Cutler has been instrumental in her improvement.

Newtown’s scheduled meet against Joel Barlow of Redding was postponed because of the snow and freezing rain on Tuesday. It was scheduled to be held on Wednesday (after The Bee sports section went to press).