"Do it as a team."  A phrase that Hutch would extol before warm down at the end of every practice, would take on a life of its own. Enthusiasm was high as the season started following two years of no state championships and a pandemic shortened season with no in person meets. At the opening team meeting of the year, the groundwork was laid. Reclaiming the SCC title after two successive third place finishes was within reach, but it could only be accomplished through an entire "team" effort: everybody matters; everybody can play a role; 'Prep Pride' would be paramount.
 
The dual meet season proved to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. After a few early wins vs SCC opponents, the Jesuits would rekindle the traditional rivalry vs Greenwich High School. Though the Cardinals proved why they would go on to another state title, Prep showed its mettle in the loss. The break out star would be Freshman Owen Tharrington '25, who shined with victories in the 100 fly and 100 back. Next up was Amity. A come from behind touch out in the 200 freestyle by Captain Nathaniel Duffy and a diving sweep proved to be the difference in the Jesuits tight 11 point win. That win would portend more exciting finishes. Weather forced an uncommon double dual meet at the RecPlex, with the Jesuits taking a split decision with a victory over Hand and a narrow loss to Xavier, the two time defending SCC Champion. And a week later on Senior Night vs the New Haven Co-Op, was the most thrilling dual meet of the year. Prep storm back from 8 points down going into the 100 breaststroke and then win the 400 free Relay to end in a rare 93-93 tie; just the 4^th tie in team history. The table was set for the Championship season.
 
With the return of 32 place scoring at the SCC Championship meet this season, Prep reached back to what has been so important to its success in the past: depth. The Diving squad all season made major contributions. Perhaps none more impactful than at the SCC Championships. The divers, led by SCC Champion Thomas Kehoe' 22,  and including Jack McDermott '22, Rocco Leito '23, Dylan Morrissey '24 and Hudson Mathews '25 would score 146 points and get Prep off to an amazing start to the Championships. Twenty swimmers would follow up the divers and score at the meet. Despite not winning a single swimming event and falling behind early in the meet, the Jesuits scratched and clawed their way to a 50 point win over Xavier and a close behind 3^rd place New Haven Co-Op.  It was the narrowest margin of victory for any team in 25 years. 'Doing it as a Team' was the path to victory.
 
Additional recognitions on the year include Captains Hugh Hutchinson '22 and Winston Wu '22 who helped instill Prep Pride at all times. Timmy King '25 was a standout all season in sprints and relays. Other significant contributors include: Kevin Brennan '23, Riley Coffey '23, Jack Greenleaf '23, Colin Markelon '23, Thomas Morales '23, Lucas Swarowsky '23, Joseph Queenan '23, Alvin Zhang '23, Jack Boyle' 24, Nick Rotondo ' 25 and PJ Lynch '25. 
 
Tradition, depth, "Prep Pride" and "Doing it as a Team" are the essence of what has made Fairfield Prep Swimming & Diving such a unique, successful and special program. The 2021-22 team embraced these mantras and carved out their own place in team history.
 
Final Team Outcomes
Dual Meet record: 8-2-1
SCC Champions
3^rd State Class L
19^th State Open
 
Individual Accolades:
Owen Tharrington ' 25  (All State: 100 Backstroke, All SCC: 100 Butterfly, 100 Backstroke)
Nathaniel Duffy '22 (All-SCC: 200 Freestyle)
Hugh Hutchinson '22. (All-SCC: 500 Freestyle)
Thomas Kehoe '22 (ALL-SCC Diving, SCC Diving Champion)