By Kim J. Harmon

H

aving lost 13 swimmers because of graduation, defection to another school, or a simple decision not to swim again, the Nighthawks could possibly be at their lowest point since Brian Reiff came to Newtown nine years ago.

But if there is one thing that has become quite clear since coach Reiff came to Newtown is that no one can count out of the Nighthawks. No matter what the situation, the ‘Hawks have always managed to find a way.

“We always find a way to find success,” said coach Reiff, who returns to the program after a brief retirement announced this fall, “because of the kids who gravitate towards the program. This is a great group of kids and they make is so easy for me to transition back into coaching.”

The Nighthawks, who were 12-3 overall and 8-2 in the South-West Conference last year, have lost the services of some strong swimmers (like co-captains Ryan Eberts, Joe Blanchard, Karlis Griffiths and Mark Kalb) and saw their diving program get decimated with the graduation of CIAC state champion Alyssa Von Oy and Greg Simoneau and the absence of their three heirs apparent (Pat Monahan, Greg Taylor and Kyle Neidig), who all decided not to return.

The loss of the divers probably hurt the most since Monahan finished fifth at the SWC meet and Neidig finished sixth and both figured to move up the ladder a little bit during the 2000-2001 season. It also didn’t help that Tim Lux, a freshman phenom, transferred out of Newtown High and that strong sprinter Doug Johnston did not return.

The ‘Hawks also lost one of their captains, Greg Chion, who lost his battle with leukemia a few weeks ago.

But the ‘Hawks will hit the pool with their resolve and their desire intact and are not without their weapons.

They still have, arguably, the best swimmer in the SWC in Kane Kunst and backing him up with the strong talents of (his fellow captains) Matt Fries, Jeff Heller and Lauren Bass. Kathleen Scharf, John Modzelewski, Garrett Swink, Brian Kotwicki, Tim Robinson and Matt Peyton will also figure prominently this year. And even though the diving situation looks desperate, there are a couple new kids jumping off the board this year and the ‘Hawks saw how guys like Monahan and Neidig did in just one season.

“We have to move forward,” said coach Reiff. “We might not have the numbers and a lot of the front-line people, but we have some very good swimmers and the conference is changing.”

Although it isn’t changing enough. Pomperaug lost 17 swimmers but somehow always remains a powerhouse in the SWC. Weston and New Fairfield, of course, will be as strong as ever and Brookfield is fast becoming a conference contender.

“We’ll give people trouble,” said coach Reiff. “We have a lot of depth, we’ll fill lanes, and we’ll give it our best.”

Schedule

December 14th, versus Pomperaug, 7 pm; 27th, at Seymour, 12 noon.

January 3rd, at Bunnell (Floor Junior High School), 7 pm; 5th, versus Sacred Heart, 7 pm; 9th, versus Brookfield, 7 pm, 11th, versus Shepaug, 7 pm; 16th, at Weston, 7 pm; 23rd, versus New Fairfield, 4 pm; 26th, versus Watertown, 7 pm; 30th, at Foran/Jonathan Law, 4 pm.

February 2nd, at Holy Cross (Wilby High School pool), 7 pm; 6th, versus Masuk, 7 pm; 8th, at Trumbull, 3:30 pm; 13th, versus New Milford, 7 pm.

The SWC championship meet will be held Saturday, February 24th.