The Hand-Branford-Old Saybrook boys’ swimming and diving co-op team is switching up its classification within the CIAC this campaign. However, the Tigers are certainly not changing their identity in terms of their attitude and effort to ascend to the top.

Last year, the Tigers finished 5-4 for the regular season. Then, Hand placed in the top 4 at the SCC Championship on Nov. 1 at Southern Connecticut State University, by coming in fourth out of 16 squads. Hand then surpassed that placement at the Class S State Championship on Nov. 15 by finishing in second with 546 points. Weston claimed the top spot, with 741 tallies as a team.

For that 2022-2023 campaign, the Tigers were a collaborative team, where only Hand members had their points count towards meets. This time around, Hand is a true co-op squad, and all athletes will score tallies in dual meets, and at SCC and state championships events.

With this newfound status, the club will compete in Class L for state championship competition, whereas last season, Hand participated in Class M, and the Branford athletes competed in Class S.

“The goals for the team in and out of competition this year are to come together stronger as one team, and give [the rest of] Class L a run for their money,” said Head Coach Scott Butler, whose team is off to a 3-0 dual-meet season start. “Now that the co-op team was approved, we have put ourselves in a great position to win more dual meets and have success in the SCC and state championships.”

Hand is led by a trio of junior captains in its first foray as a co-op group, with Madison representatives Adam Signorello and Matthew Gentil, plus Branford’s Justin Pham. All three are state finalist swimmers, and Signorello and Gentil have State Open experience coming into this season.

Butler praised the triplets for each having their own, unique qualities that they contribute to the program, while being equally dedicated as leaders.

“Each of these athletes brings something different to the table,” said Butler. “Adam is your leader both in the pool and out of the pool. He is the one member of the team who does not hesitate to make sure everyone is included and accounted for. He takes charge away from the team/pool, as well. Behind the scenes, he works on themes for the team, and coordinates the fundraising that we do. Matthew and Justin lead by example. They are talented swimmers, who make sure to be first on deck and last to leave. They make the most out of every minute of each workout, and they help make sure everyone knows the importance of their role on the team. Many meets are won based on depth, and they make sure that their teammates know that fourth and fifth place is where the meets are often won.”

Hand junior Alexander Muenker was 15th in Class M in the 200 freestyle last year, 19th for the 100 backstroke, and a member of the 17th-place 200 free relay team. His classmate in Justin Li is also returning after a 19th-place Class M showing for the 100 free, and he was part of that same 200 free relay foursome.

For the returning competitors out of the sophomore class, Thomas Starkey was 22nd in Class M with the 500 free for Hand, and was in the 200 free relay grouping with Grant Campbell. Branford’s Chase Barone placed 22nd in the 200 IM for Class S last March, plus fellow Branford Hornet Alex Sanchez-Ampudio swam to 18th in the 200 free, with respect to Class S.

Additionally for the Old Saybrook component of the team, sophomore Brandan Beaudoin will look to make a splash towards multiple events in states.

While Hand grabbed a strong victory vs. Xavier on Dec. 28, the Tigers have high profile matchups within the SCC against Greater New Haven on Tuesday, Jan. 30, and on Tuesday, Feb. 20 facing Notre Dame-West Haven.

Butler divulged that he does set the standards around the squad pretty lofty. Still, he is well aware that the boys can stay on pace with them, based upon their brimming optimism and impeccable work ethic.

“The co-op team has come along, and is giving an upbeat and super positive attitude,” said Butler. “I raise the bar high, and expect that these boys will mature more and more as the season progresses. I am hopeful that this team will live up to the high expectations that I put on them.”

Butler is back for his second year as Hand’s head coach and is unassisted. He has been with the program since 2017, previously serving as an assistant coach.

The 2023-2024 Hand-Branford-Old Saybrook roster is comprised of senior Alex Marino (of Hand); juniors Signorello, Gentil, Li, Muenker, and Pham; sophomores in Beaudoin, Emilio Arce (Branford), Barone, Sanchez-Ampudio, Sahil Bhatt, Campbell, and Starkey (of Hand); plus freshmen James Crozier, John Funk, Eric Orshansky Kai Taras-Cinque, and Andy Wang (all from Hand).

2023-2024 Hand-Branford-Old Saybrook Boys’ Swimming and Diving Co-Op Regular Season Results and Schedule

Dec. 19: Hand 88, Fitch-Stonington-St. Bernard-Wheeler 80

Jan. 3: Hand 89, Foran 73

Jan. 9: Amity, Hand

Tuesday, Jan. 16: at Hamden at 4 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 24: at Fairfield Prep at Fairfield University at 5:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 30: at Greater New Haven at Walter Gawrych Community Pool at 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 6: vs. Haddam-Killingworth/Valley Regional at Surf Club at 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 13: at Cheshire at Cheshire Community Pool at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 20: at Notre Dame-West Haven at Albertus Magnus College at 4 p.m.