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03/26/2023 06:09 AMJack Ferguson has always enjoyed the duality of the sport of swimming, in that it is a competition where a solo individual can achieve unbelievable heights while additionally elevating one’s team in the process. He has certainly acted upon it as an incredible swimmer and even stronger leader for the Haddam-Killingworth boys’ swimming and diving co-op squad.
The H-K senior captain first started with swimming lessons at the Recreation Department level before joining the Cougar Aquatic Team at the age of 7. Since entering high school, Jack has logged laps in the water year-round.
This season, after helping pilot the Cougars to a SCC Division II championship for the dual-meet portion of the campaign, Jack was named the SCC Division II Swimmer of the Year and then captured the conference crown in the 100 breaststroke in a swift 59.94 seconds at the SCC Championship meet on March 1 at Southern Connecticut State University.
“To win that award was certainly a challenge. I saw the award given out last year, and I thought I could achieve it,” says Jack, who also was the SCC runner-up for the 200 IM (1:56.43). “I knew I had to be on top of everything and put in the effort of all of my races. With swimming, I like how it is individual-based, but it is also a team sport. You can push yourself to do your best, which pushes the team.”
Speaking further to propelling himself to his physical limits and beyond in the water, Jack states that even the days where you may not have much in the tank prove to be critical towards climbing to the top.
“A key for not only myself and the team has been about consistency,” Jack says. “Even on days where you are tired, you still have to go to the gym. Even just putting in a little bit on those type of days will get you to where you want to be.”
Much like his Swimmer of the Year honor, Jack was on the outside looking in a season ago when it came to the 100 breaststroke crown. He knew the upper echelon of the field of competitors very well, and he pushed past any nerves to touch the finish line first.
“I know the top swimmers that were in that race, and I knew there was some good competitiveness there,” says Jack. “I was second in it last year, so I was motivated to win for myself and the school. I wanted to win, and I was nervous, but I was more excited.”
As Jack grew into the family setting at H-K, he became more sure of himself and his abilities as an athlete and teammate–driving him to steadily improve upon each season and being better than the previous one.
“The biggest thing for me over time has been my confidence,” Jack says. “My freshman year, I was young and in a new atmosphere. I became more comfortable and confident each year, and I was supported well by my team. I also do a lot of work in the pool with my cardiovascular health and endurance, but I have also been in the weight room and lifting has been helpful.”
No matter if the teammate hails from H-K or from Valley Regional High School, Jack reports that the camaraderie of this co-op squad has never been better as he is at the helm as captain. He adds that another entertaining element of being a leader is influencing and mentoring what will be the future of the program upon his departure.
“Being a team captain has been super great,” says Jack. “There has been no difference with the co-op team; we still have a great team dynamic. We all come to practice ready to achieve the same things. H-K has had a great group through the years. I loved to help out with the younger swimmers and develop them. It all helps create a good team dynamic and future for the program.”
H-K Head Coach Steven Cusano backs up Jack’s words of determination when it comes to preparation—reveling in a struggle rather than shirking from it.
“Jack is very consistent; he does not take days off, and he comes in on his best and worst days,” says Cusano. “He doesn’t shy away from hard practices. In fact, he tends to get more excited when the workout looks difficult. He’s a true student of the game, always paying attention to his craft and closely following competitors. He is a true leader; he is vocal and also leads by example.”
Following a sensational send-off season with respect to his high school scholastic career, Jack is well aware of the multitude of options that await him. Still, speaking like a world class student-athlete, he knows that no matter what path he takes, the books will be more than prevalent along that pathway.
“I have a lot of opportunities to swim in college moving forward,” says Jack. “I know I will be swimming the next four years while getting a good education.”