Submitted by Alison Karam
(Kneeling from left) Seniors Layla Hayward (co-captain), Emma Sajus, Peyton Tyler (co-captain), and Team Manager Liza Murphy. (Standing from left): VV Pypa, Sophia Langer, Liv Macaluso, Sofia Campo, Sam Kukta, Maggie Miller, Olivia Campo, Elsa Shatraw, Gianna Dabkowski, Olive Forristall.
(November 13, 2023) — The Haddam-Killingworth High School Girls Swim team won their last four dual meets of the 2023 season to finish with a 7-2 record. The Cougars girls’ final winning streak started with Suffield (101-61), a close meet against Ledyard (86-84), then Windsor Locks (84-66), and a win against Old Lyme Co-Op (76-49) for the team’s Senior Night on November 1, 2023, which honored seniors Emma Sajus, co-captains Layla Hayward and Peyton Tyler, and team manager Liza Murphy.
Thirteen swimmers scored winning points for H-K: Elsa Shatraw (FR), Emma Sajus (SR), Gianna Dabkowski (FR), Layla Hayward (SR), Maggie Miller (SO), Olive Forristall (FR), Olivia Campo (JR), Olivia “Liv” Macaluso (JR), Peyton Tyler (SR), Sam Kukta (SO), Sofia Campo (JR), Sophia Langer (FR), Veronica “VV” Pypa (JR).
Ten swimmers qualified to compete in individual and relay events at the Class S State Swimming Championships mid-November: Shatraw (500 free #31, 100 backstroke 2nd alternate), Sajus (200 individual medley #26, 100 butterfly #18), Dabkowski (50 freestyle #30, 100 freestyle #32), Hayward (50 freestyle #32), Macaluso (100 butterfly #11, 100 backstroke #13), Miller (200 freestyle #25, 500 freestyle #21), Forristall (200 individual medley #31, 100 breaststroke #29), O. Campo (200 individual medley #36), Tyler (200 freestyle #29, 100 freestyle #34), and S. Campo (relay alternate).
Coach’s Note: From the start of our season, this team has proven to be small but mighty. Every single girl has taken her swimming to a higher competitive level. They work hard, support each other, and have a ton of fun. I love the team spirit and am proud of all they have achieved! – Coach Alison Karam
Photo credit: Lauren Thebeau
