Rick Marchant has competed in every Empire State Games since its inception in 1982. Last week, Marchant was joined by his son Ryan at the University of Buffalo as the Games made their return after a one-year hiatus.

The elder Marchant added to the dozens of medals he has already stockpiled over the years winning five golds in the 60-64 masters swimming age division. His son matched his dad with five golds of his own in the 18-24 class.

“We had a pretty good day,” Rick Marchant said humbly. “It was an exciting deal and I was hoping to swim with my son.”

In 2009, with the the ESG canceled, the two Marchants participated in the Keystone Games in Pennsylvania with each carrying home plenty of precious metal. “I pushed for the Keystone Games last year because I don’t know when my last swim meet will be,” Rick Marchant said.

In Rick’s five events, he won the 200 individual medley, 200 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 50 butterfly, and 100 individual medley. Ryan was victorious in the 50 freestyle, 100 butterfly, 100 freestyle, 50 butterfly, and 400 freestyle.