The Newark/Lyons Reds (Division 1) and Gananda Blue Panthers (Division 2) capped an exciting Finger Lakes League Swimming & Diving season by claiming the top spots in their respective Finger Lakes League Invitational divisions. The event, held this past weekend, showcased impressive performances, state meet qualifications, and outstanding teamwork across all teams.
Final Team Standings
Division 1:
- Newark-Lyons – 436
- Palmyra-Macedon – 349
- North Rose-Wolcott – 132
- Geneva – 87
- Williamson-Sodus – 82
Division 2:
- Gananda – 323
- Midlakes – 285
- Naples – 214
- Marcus Whitman – 201
- Clyde-Savannah – 80
Individual Honors and Highlights
- Outstanding Senior Swimmer: Cohen Kelley (Gananda)
- Outstanding Performer of the Meet: Peyton Conner (Gananda)
- Peyton qualified for the state meet in three events:
- 50 Freestyle (21.98)
- 100 Butterfly (53.77)
- 100 Freestyle (Lead-off Leg, 48.41)
- Peyton qualified for the state meet in three events:
- Coach of the Year: Jack Hauber (Midlakes)
Double Individual Event Winners
- George Newsome (Pal-Mac, D1): 200 Freestyle, 500 Freestyle
- Qualified for the state meet in the 500 Freestyle (4:49.58)
- AJ Mecred (Newark-Lyons, D1): 200 Individual Medley, 100 Breaststroke
- Peyton Conner (Gananda, D2): 50 Freestyle, 100 Butterfly
- Cohen Kelley (Gananda, D2): 200 Individual Medley, 100 Breaststroke
Relay Standouts
The relay events brought thrilling competition, with dominant performances by Newark-Lyons in Division 1 and Gananda in Division 2.
- Division 1:
- Newark-Lyons: 1st in the 200 Medley Relay
- Pal-Mac: 1st in the 200 Freestyle Relay and 400 Freestyle Relay
- Division 2:
- Gananda: Swept all three relays—200 Medley Relay, 200 Freestyle Relay, and 400 Freestyle Relay
Looking Ahead
With the Finger Lakes Invitational complete, athletes now set their sights on Sectionals, where teams and individuals will compete for further honors and state meet qualifications.
Sectional Schedule:
Class B:
- Diving: Feb. 1 @ Churchville Chili
- Swim Prelims: Feb. 5 @ Webster
- Swim Finals: Feb. 7 @ Webster
Class C:
- Diving: Feb. 8 @ Churchville Chili
- Swim Prelims: Feb. 12 @ Webster
- Swim Finals: Feb. 14 @ Webster
Class D:
- Diving: Feb. 8 @ Churchville Chili
- Swim Prelims: Feb. 11 @ Webster
- Swim Finals: Feb. 13 @ Webster
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