Greenwich gives Hawks 13th Class LL swim title

(Arnold Gold – New Haven Register) Shelton’s Jessica Poole swims to a third place finish in the 100 yard butterfly at the CIAC Class LL Championship at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven on 11/12/2013.

(Arnold Gold Ñ New Haven Register) Amity’s Dana Chung flashes a smile to teammates after her first place finish in the 50 yard freestyle at the CIAC Class LL Championship at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven on 11/12/2013.

NEW HAVEN >> While Amity had its share of success at the CIAC Class LL girls swimming championships on Tuesday at Southern Connecticut State’s Moore Fieldhouse, the event served as Part I of a going away party for legendary Greenwich coach Dick Hawks.

Retiring after this his 25th season, Hawks earned his 13th Class LL title as the Cardinals won the team event with 804.5 points. Amity was second with 513 points.

Greenwich started the meet by winning the 200-yard medley relay in 1:48.09. After three events the Cardinals led with 212 points and never looked back. Amity was second at that point with 177 points.

“We’re not as deep as we used to be and to see these kids fill in spots they’re not normally in and to contribute was impressive,” Hawks said. “It takes some tough kids to come through like they did. The 200 freestyle relay was a good event to get us going right away.

PHOTOS: Class LL Swimming

“Winning these titles never gets old because they’re all different. I’m not going to say I have mixed emotions because this is my last Class LL meet. I’m only thinking about the State Open (Saturday, noon, at Yale). Two weeks from now, I’ll think about all this and I’ll probably cry a little.”

Hawks-coached Greenwich teams have won 18 FCIAC titles and 10 State Open titles.

Entering the meet, Amity coach Todd Rainey expected a third- or fourth-place team finish and was ecstatic finishing No. 2.

“This was a big team effort for us, everyone pulled together,” Rainey said. “I’m very happy. Dana Chung, Maddie Snow, Maggie Lasto and Megan Lasto and so many other swimmers come through for us.

“Dick Hawks’ teams have always been deep with talent. I wish him all the luck in the world with his retirement.”

Chung, the most outstanding swimmer at the recent Southern Connecticut Conference meet, gave the Spartans their only win of the night. She won the 50 freestyle in 24.02 and led the sprint start to finish. In the 200 freestyle, she was a close second in 52.56 and was edged out by Marcie Maguire of Ridgefield, who won in 52.49.

Chung was very happy with both finishes.

“I’m really happy, so surprised I did this well in both events,” Chung said. “I want to thank everyone who helped me prepare for this and I’m so glad all the hard work I’ve done is paying off.

“In the 50 free, I just put my head down and go out as hard as I can. In the 100 freestyle, I just try not to overthink it and I just go out and swim hard.”

Megan Lasto was fourth in the 100 breaststroke (1:09.07) and fourth in the 200 individual medley (2:14.13). Snow was fifth in the 200 freestyle (1:58.12) and seventh in the 500 freestyle (5:19.50). Maggie Lasto was eighth in the 200 individual medley (2:18.32).