Huntington Senior Sam Klaaren Swims to All-State Honors

Huntington senior Samuel Klaaren capped off a fine career with the Blue Devils by winning All-State honors in multiple relay events at the state championships in Ithaca last weekend.

Klaaren served as the Huntington team captain. He was All-League and All-County in three separate events. The Blue Devils are the host team for what is dubbed by Section XI as a “superteam.” It’s a combination of Huntington, Walt Whitman, Harborfields and John H. Glenn. Huntington contributed seven of the 23 team members. Meg McConnell served as head coach.

“Sam has always been a strong swimmer as well as an exemplary student,” McConnell said. “A hard worker and very pleasant team leader, he will be greatly missed.”

Huntington will look to middle distance and back-stroker Frenklin Vojka, sprinter Owen McGaw, breaststroker Eamon McManus, TJ Peters, Quinn Rinaldi and newcomers next winter to continue the tradition.

“Of course, major highlights of most swim seasons occur during championship time and this year proved that yet again,” McConnell said. “Our league meet was a long night that dragged, but the boys worked through the fatigue and swam close to personal bests throughout. For counties, our free relays were very focused on making the state cut times, yet the boys also had several best times in individual events.”