Naugy to lean on depth

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Naugatuck's Omari Solomon swims the 200 yard freestyle Feb. 19 during a meet against Watertown. Solomon is expected to swim the 200 free and 100 backstroke at the NVL meet. –RA ARCHIVE
Naugatuck’s Omari Solomon swims the 200 yard freestyle Feb. 19 during a meet against Watertown. Solomon is expected to swim the 200 free and 100 backstroke at the NVL meet. –RA ARCHIVE

NAUGATUCK — Expect the Naugatuck boys swim team to be competitive at next week’s Naugatuck Valley League championships.

Judging by recent results against some of the NVL’s top teams, Naugy head coach Jim McKee said the Greyhounds will look to have four swimmers in each race who could score points. In the championship meet, it’s about depth — not necessarily who finishes in first.

“We have the fourth swimmer that will make us closer to these other teams,” McKee said.

The top teams in next week’s finals expect to be Sacred Heart, Torrington and Watertown. The swim trials are set for March 4, followed by diving finals March 5 and swim finals March 6. All competitions are at Kennedy High.

Naugy recently raced Torrington and Watertown, and while the ‘Hounds lost both meets, McKee said his team showed signs that they could keep up with two of the better teams.

Before the finals, Naugy swimmers will have a chance to put themselves in better positions for the finals. The trials meet will dictate positions in the finals.

“We have to get it together and swim well at the trials,” McKee added. “The trials will tell us if we have a shot.”
Naugy has many swimmers racing at least two events.

Senior Vinny Thoren, a three-year swimmer, expects to be a big point-getter in the 100- and 200-yard freestyle events. Thoren will likely also be in two relay events.

In the 50 free, Naugy’s lineup will feature seniors John Dean, Jake Morrissey and juniors Michael Cocchiola and Evan Vaz. Dean will also be in the 100 free, while Morrissey will be in the 500 free and Cocchiola will be in the 100 free.

Senior Adam Branco will be in the 200 IM and the 100 breaststroke. Other swimmers in the 200 IM are Marcus Cruz, Mitchell Santos and Martin Lippai.

Cruz will also be in the 100 free, while Lippai and Santos will be in the 100 back.

Senior Dan Cacchillo, along with sophomores Nick Fox, Mike Huzior and Nick Ryan will represent Naugy in the butterfly event.

Freshman Omari Solomon will also be in the 200 free and the 100 backstroke. Another freshman, Evan Bomberry, and junior Michael Lauer will also compete in the 200 free and the 500 free. Freshman P.J. Morrissey will also be in the 500 free and 100 back.

Joining Branco in the breaststroke will be Mitchell Kampf (senior), Vaz and Osmund Tingstad (senior).

Naugy’s divers will be Ben Reinhard, Eric Cruz and Graden Beasley.