Chelmsford High Grads Quirbach, Speidel Are College Swimming Teammates

COLCHESTER, VT — A pair of Chelmsford High School grads are making waves on the men's swimming team at Division II St. Michael's College in Vermont.

Freshman Connor Quirbach, a Lowell native, had quite a start to his collegiate career, earning both Northeast-10 Conference Swimmer of the Week and Rookie of the Week honors following his debut.

On Oct. 15, Quirbach won four events, including three solo races, in the Purple Kinghts' 229-156 win over Bridgewater State.

Quirbach was tops in the 200 freestyle (1:49.63), 100 free (50.11) and 500 free (5:20.11), and he swam the first leg on the victorious 200-free relay team (1:31.18).

This past Saturday, Quirbach finished second in the 200 free (1:49.19) and third in the 500 free (5:14.03) in St. Michael's 151-88 loss to Le Moyne.

St. Michael's head coach Eileen Hall said Quirbach has been a welcome addition to the squad.

"When looking to fill my roster, I not only look for speed but someone who is able to buy into the culture in the traditions at Saint Michael's College. Connor was such a great fit. His enthusiasm for racing, his coachability and his overall love of the sport make him well-regarded by his coaches and his teammates," Hall told Patch. "His experience is growing at every meet, and I know he has a great future in this conference and on this team. I look forward to seeing what he can do."

Meanwhile, CHS alumnus Nolan Speidel is a senior captain on the Purple Knights' squad.

In Saturday's meet against Le Moyne, Speidel was part of the 200-medley relay team that finished third (1:47.88), he anchored the 200-free relay team that finished third (1:37.54) and he finished fifth in the individual 200 butterfly (2:28.69).

Speidel also has gotten the job done in the classroom at St. Michaels, earning a D2 ADA Academy Achievement Award in 2021-22.

"Nolan is a team captain and is starting his fourth year with the program. As a leader, he brings talent and speed to our team, but he also brings wisdom, experience and kindness," Hall said.

Hall continued: "(Speidel's) love for the sport is evident as he works constantly to provide meaningful experiences for our group. Nothing is more important to Nolan than our team's overall success. He knows that this comes from more than just swimming fast, and he is great at teaching our underclassmen what is truly important when you are building a successful team."