The Clifton Springs Area YMCA Seahawks Swim Team capped the 2021-22 season by competing in the 2022 New York State YMCA Championships at The Nassau Aquatic Center (Long Island) on March 19 and 20. There were 20 YMCA Swim Teams from across the state competing. The CSAY State Team, represented by only four swimmers, earned a 13th place overall finish in the team competition and two of the four swimmers came home with State Champion bragging rights.
Oliver Altman, in the 9-10 Boys division won the 200 Yard Freestyle race, just over 5 seconds ahead of the 2nd place finisher. He also placed 3rd in the 100 Yard Freestyle, 4th in the 50 Yard Backstroke , 5th in the 100 Yard Individual Medley and 9th in the 50 Yard Freestyle. Oliver’s finishes totaled 74 points for the team.
Oliver’s brother, Teddy (13-14 Boys division) was the second State Champion for the team, winning the 100 Yard Butterfly in an exciting come-from-behind effort. He also finished 2nd in the 100 Yard Backstroke, 3rd in the 100 Yard Freestyle and 6th in the 50 Yard Freestyle. Teddy’s finishes totaled 66 team points.
In the 8 & Under Boys Division, first-year swimmer Carter Kilne racked up 32 team points. He finished 6th in the 50 Yard Freestyle, 8th in the 25 Yard Backstroke, 12th in the 25 Yard Freestyle and 13th in the 25 Yard Butterfly.
In the 9-10 Girls Division, another first-year swimmer, Ava Erb added 4 points to the team total with her 13th place finish in 50 Yard Butterfly. She also placed 24th (in a field of 59 swimmers) in the 50 Yard Freestyle.
Congratulations go out to all the swimmers, as well as coaches, Kia Smith, Darrin Kline, David Hamilton and Andre Pelletreau on their accomplishments!
At the two-day District Championship meet in February, 10 of the 25 Seahawks team members competed. As a team, they earned five 1st place finishes, four 2nd place finishes, four 3rd place finishes and 19 Individual Best Times. The swimmers also had 14 NYS Qualifying Swims at that meet.
It has been a challenging season in many ways for the team however, the flexibility, persistence, dedication and hard work of the athletes, their families and the coaches produced big results and a strong sense of accomplishment.
The YMCA focus is on Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. The Seahawks incorporate the YMCA Character traits of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility into their program to establish a foundation for youth in developing positive character values. If you would like information about the CSAY Seahawks swim program or any other programs offered, please call the Clifton Springs YMCA at (315) 462-6148 or visit www.csaymca.org.
