Weston Senior Swimmer Takes Center Stage

The Weston High School boys swim team had a most unusual “Senior Night” ceremony during its final regular season dual meet against New Milford last week. The name was changed to “Spencer Night,’’ because Spencer Kelley was the team’s only senior.

It has been an unusual year for Kelley, who swam on two relays that won Class S state championships last year as the Trojans won the team title. Weston finished the regular season this year with a 5-6-1 mark and is loaded with promising underclassmen. The Trojans do not figure to be a threat to win a second straight state title.

‘I think the biggest thing I’ve tried to do is lead by example,’’ Kelley said. “I couldn’t do it without Gabe (Rosen, a junior co-captain). He’s been a huge help. It’s a lot smaller team than what we usually have. But the underclassmen have had a good season, and they have a lot of potential.”

Kelley grew up swimming in the Weston pool that was the site of his last home meet. He started lessons when he was 2. Along the way, he has taken lifeguard lessons, taught swimming to various age groups and competed on two state championship teams and a runner-up. In winning last year’s state championship, Kelley made a strong contribution on the record-breaking 200- and 400-relay teams. He will carry an impressive swimming resume when he heads to compete for Washington College in Maryland in the fall.

One of Kelley’s biggest adjustments this season was competing without his friends from last year’s team. “I miss them,’’ Kelley said. “Losing six kids, four of whom were all-state swimmers, is not easy. I was prepared for the challenge. I enjoyed being around them.”

Kelley’s season heads for the homestretch with the South-West Conference championships Friday, followed by the Class S and State Open meets in the next few weeks. He looks back happily on his team, wearing the Trojans’ colors. “This team is the greatest thing about my high school career,’’ Kelley said. “It’s the best thing I ever did. I’m going to miss being around them.”

Know an athlete with an unusual story? Send information and images to trenner@mainstreetconnect.us.

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