Kris Deuel was one of six Norwich YMCA Dolphins swimmers to make state qualifying time during the home meet on November 2. (Photo from Coach Diefenbacher), Reigan Aikins did well for the Norwich YMCA Dolphins girls aged 9-10 group during the home meet on November 2. (Photo from Coach Diefenbacher)

NORWICH – It was standing room only at the Norwich YMCA Dolphins swim meet against the Fulton Speed Demons on Saturday. This meet marked the return of the Dolphins back to their home pool after a four-year hiatus.

Many technical updates accompanied this meet including new computers, software, timing systems, and a new scoreboard made possible by the generosity of local donors and fundraising efforts from the Dolphins Parent Boosters. The Dolphins roster grew to over 30 members this year with many returning swimmers either having already dropped time from last year or holding at the same times they had at the end of last season.

“As coaches, this is what we want to see. Swimmers starting their season by accomplishing times at or better than they were the previous season. This puts them in a really good spot to improve and reach their goals for the new season.”

A total of six swimmers made State qualifying times including Kris Deuel (200IM & 100 Breast), Nora Diefenbacher (50 Free, 100 free, 50 Back), Reigan Aikins (50 Free & 100 Free), Kate Hull (200 Free, 50 Free, 100 Free), Maggie Williams (50 Free & 50 Breast) , and newcomer Laura Coye (25 Back). Several more swimmers are within seconds of their respective qualifying times for their age group.

“Many of our returning swimmers are competing in an older age group than they were last year. This means the times get faster and the distances get longer, but they are prepared for the challenge.”

Other highlights included several age groups winning their portion of the meet. This included the 8&under boys (Wade Scrivener, Sebastian Beiu, Gideon Matthews, Theodore Williams, Kevin Walsh), 9-10 Girls (Kate Hull, Nora Diefenbacher, Reigan Aikins, Milena Beltz, Adeline Vazquez), and 13-14 Girls (Madison McKissick, Alice Boland). The season has just started and there are still seven more meets to go until the District Championship in February. 

The Dolphins’ next two meets are on the road with a meet this weekend in Auburn, then next weekend at Fulton. The Dolphins return home on November 23 against Oneonta.

-Information from the Norwich YMCA Dolphins