Good luck to the Norwich YMCA Dolphins at the New York State YMCA Swimming Championships. (Submitted Photo)

NORWICH –  Members of the Norwich YMCA Dolphins Swim Team will be competing at the NY State YMCA Swimming Championships this coming weekend, March 21-23. It is one of the highest levels of swimming competition in New York State next to Nationals. The three-day swim meet involves 30 teams and hundreds of swimmers all competing for the top spot in their age group.

The Dolphins eight and under age group is comprised of new comers ready to race. Emma Harmyk, whom transitioned from swim lessons taught by graduated Dolphins senior Rory Shtrauch, will be competing in the 25 yard backstroke. Laura Coye, also new to the team this year, made great improvements in her abilities and will be competing in the 25 yard freestyle, 25 yard breaststroke, 25 yard backstroke, and 50 yard freestyle. Gideon Matthews completes the age group also having made great strides in his abilities in the breaststroke and longer distances to compete in the 25 yard breaststroke and 100 yard freestyle.

The 9-10 boys age group will see returning Dolphins swimmer Lawton Ferris competing in the 50 yard backstroke and 50 yard freestyle, events that are longer than his previous year competing at States. For the 9-10 girls, a host of seasoned competitors will make their return to the State level including Nora Diefenbacher whom broke the 9-10 Girls 100 yard backstroke team record this year competing in the 50 yard freestyle, 50 yard backstroke, 50 yard breaststroke, and 100 yard freestyle. Reigan Aikins, current team record holder of the 500 yard freestyle and 100 yard Butterfly for the 9-10 girls will be competing in the 100 yard IM, 200 yard freestyle, 100 yard freestyle, 50 yard freestyle, and 50 yard Butterfly. The always energetic Kennedy Foulds makes her return to State competition in the 100 yard freestyle, 50 yard freestyle, and 50 yard breaststroke along with Dolphins all-around swimmer Kate Hull swimming the 100 yard IM, 200 yard freestyle, 100 yard freestyle, 50 yard freestyle, and 50 yard backstroke. In addition to their individual events, these 9-10 girls will also be competing as a relay team in the 200 yard Medley Relay and 200 yard freestyle relay against the many teams in attendance.

For the senior group, the 11-12 age group will be held down by seasoned racer Maggie Williams in the 50 yard freestyle, 100 yard freestyle, and 50 yard breaststroke. The 13-14 age group will have new senior swimmer Kaelyn Conant, whom is the current team record holder of the 13-14 girls 200 yard breaststroke, competing in the 100 yard breaststroke. Rounding out the seniors is Tim Guzewich whose determination and experience with the Dolphins will see him compete in the 50 yard freestyle and 100 yard backstroke for the 15 & over group alongside accomplished senior Kris Deuel. Fresh off a stellar season that saw Kris claim the 1000 yard freestyle and 1650 yard freestyle team records for the Dolphins, Kris plans to close out his swimming career at States in the 500 yard freestyle, 200 yard freestyle, 100 yard freestyle, 50 yard freestyle, and 100 yard breaststroke.

The Dolphins Swim Team has a rich history of competing well at the State level of competition with even a few becoming State champions and qualifying for Nationals over the years. If you see these athletes, be sure to wish them good luck at the big show!

-Information from the Norwich YMCA Dolphins