Headlines

Subscribe to our Newsletter

After record-breaking performances, these swimmers are ready to compete for state titles

 

Marquel Slaughter
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
February 17, 2023
 

Each one of Pittsford's 21st straight Section V championship teams had its own path to the title.

The Panthers "struggled" early on, navigating through new roles and competing without a diver. Still, Pittsford went 10-0 in dual meets and watched its 400-yard freestyle relay team break a Class A meet record during the Section V championships Thursday at the Webster Aquatic Center.

Friday in Class B, Canandaigua also used a record-breaking performance as the Braves captured their fifth title in six seasons.

"It's different for each team," Pittsford coach Rick Schmitt said. "If you're not involved in sports it'd very easy to get caught up. 'Oh, that school always wins in football or lacrosse or swim.' But this is 21. These swimmers weren't born when it started.

"We teach them about traditions, not to taking anything for granted. And while finding the identity of this team, different kids rose up."

Full results can be found here.

Outstanding Swimmers of the Meet

Class A: Hilton senior Jacob Runyon was a double-winner. He captured the 100-yard freestyle (46.29) and 200-yard freestyle (1:40.47) titles for the Cadets.

Class B: Canandaigua senior Jared Bjorling's 20.84-second 50-yard freestyle met the All-American consideration time and broke a nine-year-old record that Brockport's Nick Olson set at 21.01 in 2014. Bjorling also won the 100 free (47.23) and swam a leg on the winning 400 free relay (3:16.69).

Unsung Heroes

Class A: Spencerport's Kamden Keyes won the 100-yard butterfly by a slim margin, touching 0.15 seconds faster than runner-up Timothy Fan of Pittsford, who entered the meet with the state's fastest time. ... Hilton's Matthew Wilson won the diving title.

Class B: Batavia Notre Dame junior Harrison Southall championed the 200-yard individual medley, the 100-yard butterfly, and helped the 200-yard medley relay to a victory. ... Irondequoit's George Ligozio won the diving title.

Key moments

Pittsford swept the relays and won six total events in what Schmitt called the most competitive sectionals since pre-COVID.

Lucas Golembiewski, Cameron Stetzer, Fan and Dylan Magda won the 400 free relay (3:08.53) by over 12 seconds, lapping teams on their way to breaking the meet record set by Pittsford's 2020 foursome. The closest relay was 25 yards behind. Braun, Dylan Magda, Owen Corby and Ethan Rehkopf joined forces to win the 200 free relay, patched together to give the 400 free relay a chance at the record.

"They swam out of their minds. They weren't even my best guys," Schmitt said.

Stetzer, Calvin Braun, Fan and Golembiewski won the 200 medley relay. Individually for Pittsford, Golembiewski was first in the 50 free, Magda won the 100-yard breaststroke, and Stetzer, who fully committed to swimming two years ago, saw his progress in winning the 200 IM.

In Class B, Canandaigua won its third straight title after beating runner-up McQuaid 385-260. Bjorling was in on all three of the Braves' wins, joining Tony Piper, Dom Falbo and Alex Carnevale in winning the 400 free relay to go along with his individual wins.

What's next?

The Section V championships will conclude with the Class C meet Thursday and then Class D on Friday. Then Ithaca College hosts the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Swimming and Diving Championships on Friday and Saturday, March 3 and 4.

Schmitt is hopeful Pittsford can compete with the fastest teams at states. Each of Pittsford's relays are ranked top-four in NYS. The Panthers' 400 free relay currently owns the state's fastest time.

"We're sitting pretty good," Schmitt said. "Anything can happen. Section V has history of rising at the state met."

 

 

C