Since 2002, EL and Lewiston have held this event in honor of Campbell and Martin. Martin passed away in a car accident just after graduating from Lewiston in 2001, while Campbell, an Edward Little senior tragically passed just six months later. The event gives both teams an opportunity to swim with their friendly rivals one last time before conference, regional, and state championships.

“Tonight represents what swimming is all about,” Lewiston coach Troy Boutin said. “Swimming in Maine has an unwritten rule where schools do not cut kids. These kids were out here pulling for one another, it was something great to see.”

In a final tuneup before the KVAC championship, the Lewiston boys and girls were victorious in the two-team meet. The boys won 115-33, while the girls were victorious by an 89-60 score.

Lewiston’s Matt Forgues had a strong night, winning the 200-yard individual medley and the 500-yard freestyle while helping his relay teams win the 200- and 400-yard freestyle events. The senior was named the Chris Campbell Award winner for the meet as selected by the coaches and officials.

“Matt is a great athlete, he showed tonight why he’s one of the best,” EL coach Scott Morrison said.

Brooke Cloutier had a solid evening for the Blue Devils, finishing first in the 50-yard freestyle and out-swimming the second-place swimmer by almost twenty seconds in the 100-yard breaststroke. The sophomore also swam on the 200-yard medley and 200-yard freestyle relay teams that were victorious.

EL’s Maggie Chirayath displayed why she is looking to continue her swimming career beyond high school. Chirayath won the 200-yard freestyle and the 100-yard butterfly. The senior was also part of the winning 400 yard freestyle relay team. Chirayath was the recipient of the Lesley Martin award.

“Maggie is an amazing young lady. She’s a senior captain who works her butt off in the pool. Not only is she a tremendous athlete, she’s great in school,” Morrison said.

Midway through the meet, each team recognized their seniors and their parents. Lewiston will graduate ten kids off their squad of 41 kids, while EL will graduate 12 (three from Leavitt). A lot of these kids have been swimming with one another since they were young. 

“This meet is great for these kids to have. Most of these kids grew up swimming together in the L/A area,” Boutin said. “It’s great to see our kids rooting for them and vice versa.”

“You could say it’s a competition, a friendly competition, but that’s not what it’s about. It was about two teams who care about each other,” Morrison added.

While Lewiston didn’t have anyone new qualify for states Thursday, EL had Cam Morin and Leila Chirayath both qualify in the 50-yard freestyle.

The KVAC Championships are set for Feb. 4th in Bath.