In its return to the pool for competition the Newtown High School boys’ swimming and diving team pulled away to defeat visiting Bunnell-Stratford 94-75 on January 7. This was Newtown’s home opener and the first meet since a 92-82 loss at Masuk of Monroe on December 19. The Nighthawks built a commanding lead and exhibitioned the final three events.

The 200 yard medley relay team of Oliver Clancy, Leo Van Straten, Johnny Barzetti, and Warren Ache was first in a time of 1:52.78. The 200 relay comprising Elias Kolb, Duncan Kolb, Kyle Albrecht, and Sam Irving was second in 1:59.72.

Alex Gadbut won the 200 freestyle race in a time of 2:00.91. Barzetti and Duncan Kolb gave NHS a one-two finish in the 200 individual medley with times of 2:21.09 and 2:24.52. Elias Kolb won the 50 free, sprinting to the finish in 24.45 and Ache followed with a second-place time of 25.58.

Trevor Story won the diving competition with a score of 137.75 and Ache took second with a score of 102.75.

Barzetti won the 100 butterfly race in 1:01.98 and Albrecht came in second in 1:08.91. Van Straten captured the top spot in the 100 free in 54.62. Clancy won the 500, making his final touch in 5:34.10.

The 200 free relay of Gadbut, Van Straten, Duncan Kolb, and Barzetti was first in 1:43.07 and the relay of Elias Kolb, Andrew Faircloth, Storey, and Jack Pettit was runner-up in 1:55.60.

NHS exhibitioned the rest of the way. Clancy was fastest to the finish in the 100 backstroke race with a 1:04.97, followed by Gadbut in 1:05.63. Van Straten led the way in the 100 breaststroke event in 1:10.28 and next was Duncan Kolb in 1:12.73.

In the 400 free relay the best time was turned in by the team of Ache, Albrecht, Gadbut, and Clancy who recorded a 3:51.70.

“It was a great first home meet to start off the season. We had some quality swims from guys who have been putting in the work. Our captains Johnny and Oliver swam solidly, and we saw some great swims and personal bests out of Sam Irving, Kyle Abrecht, and Ryan Lombard, which was a direct reflection of how hard they’ve been working. Credit also to Trenton Story and Warren Ache for taking on diving with successful programs in a very short time,” Coach Ryan Eberts said.

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