When Aidan Law got his first taste of varsity competition with the Haddam-Killingworth boys’ indoor track and field team, he knew it was something that he wanted to make permanent. Aidan has certainly become a fixture in the H-K track program, and now he can also call himself the best long jumper in the state of Connecticut.

During his sophomore season, Aidan learned a lot while practicing as an alternate with a group of upperclassmen who qualified for Nationals. Now a senior captain with the Cougars, Aidan recently won the long jump at the State Open and has also excelled in several other events with his team.

“My favorite moment was when I was able to practice with my upperclassmen who were going to Nationals, because it was an eye-opener to how much more work I could put in,” says Aidan. “I also love how you can be friendly, but still competitive with other athletes from many different teams.”

Aidan started off the 2022 postseason by taking first place in the long jump at the Shoreline Conference Championship with a distance of 20 feet-8.75 inches. He also won the high jump at Shorelines after clearing 5-6. Then at the Class S State Championship, Aidan finished fourth in the long jump (20-8) and sixth in the high jump (5-8) for H-K.

On Feb. 19, Aidan competed in the long jump at the State Open Championship and posted a personal- best leap of 21 feet-3.25 inches to claim first place. Aidan beat out runner-up Tyler Turner of St. Paul (21-2) on his way to winning the event. Aidan also qualified for the Open in the high jump and with his 1,600 sprint medley relay team.

“Becoming a champion at the State Open was a great feeling,” Aidan says. “I will be competing in long jump for the New England track meet in Boston, and I will also be competing at the Emerging Elites meet for Nationals in New York.”

Aidan’s coaches Richard Dupuis and Sean Gallagher spoke highly of the senior captain. Both coaches describe Aidan as a strong leader and one of the hardest workers on the team.

“Aidan’s been a great co-captain for us this season. Every day he comes in with an upbeat attitude that motivates his teammates,” says Gallagher. “Aidan’s progress this season has purely been a product of his work ethic at practice and the competitive mindset he switches to at meets.”

Dupuis, who is H-K’s head coach, says that Aidan’s teammates see how focused he is at both meets and practices and then follow that example.

“I have always been impressed over the years with the number of kids that develop like Aidan. His maturation, focus, and leadership by example has had a significant impact on the team, and I’m not sure he realizes it,” Dupuis says. “He just does it because he sees it as doing the right thing.”

Aidan has formed good relationships with all of his coaches, including throwing coach Evan Woicik. Dupuis had previously coached Aidan’s mother when his mom was a high school athlete.

“My head coach and I get along very well. He will sometimes take time and tell me stories about his life, family, anything that comes to mind,” says Aidan. “He also coached my mom, so I believe that’s why we can get along so well.”

Aside from track and field, Aidan enjoys photography and video editing and has taught himself how to make videos with special effects. He also enjoys drawing and painting.

With Shoreline Conference and State Open crowns to his credit, Aidan is looking forward to participating in the New England and National meets. Aidan wants to keep getting better in his trademark events as he continues competing for H-K through the indoor and outdoor seasons.

“I hope to break through the 22-foot barrier and possibly come close to 23 feet for long jump,” Aidan says. “I also hope to be able to clear 6 feet for high jump.”