NORWICH – Two members of the Norwich YMCA Dolphins will compete in the YMCA national championships April 6-9 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Ashley Collier is a first-time qualifier, while Savanna Keator makes her third trip to nationals. “This is a big accomplishment for our team. We have taken swimmers to nationals five out of the last six years,” said Dolphins coach Saundra Gantt. “It shows we are gaining strength in the program, and these girls will compete among the best in the country with over 1,500 swimmers qualifying from all over the country. This is what the goal should be for every YMCA swimmer. I am so proud of both girls.”

Keator qualified in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle events at the Central New York District Championships held in February. A senior at Norwich High School, Keator has competed on the Norwich-based YMCA team the past 10 years with this year her last. “Savanna is a true competitor and she does not like to lose,” Gantt said. “If we get her in the right frame of mind, she has an excellent chance to come back and swim finals as her times are right there.”