NORWICH — 15 Norwich YMCA Dolphins athletes will make their way to the Nassau County Aquatics Center in Long Island, NY to compete at the YMCA State Swimming Championship meet this weekend March 20, 21, & 22.

The Norwich Dolphins will have representatives from the eight and under, 9-10, 11-12, and 15 and over age groups swimming in 61 events including relays.

Representing the eight &under age group for the girls will be Emma Harmyk in the 25 free, 50 free, 100 free, and 25 Back. This will be Emma’s second year competing at States, this time with an expanded portfolio of races compared to last year. For the boys, Gideon Matthews also makes his return to State level competition with the 25 breast, 25 free, 50 free, 100 free, and 100 IM.

The 9-10 age group is represented with seven individuals. For the girls, veteran swimmer Reigan Aikins in the 50 free, 100 free, 200 free, 100 IM, and 50 butterfly, looks to continue her successful year while at States having already claimed team records for the 9-10 age group in the 100 butterfly, 500 free, and 200 IM.

Mila Beltz, debuting in her first State level competition since starting with the team two years ago, looks to take on the competition in the 50 free, 100 free, and 50 back and to better her existing times.

Laura Coye looks to improve upon her times in the 50 free, 100 free, 50 back, 50 breast, and 100 IM in her first year in the 9-10 age group.

Veteran swimmer Nora Diefenbacher is focusing her efforts on the 50 free, 50 back, and 50 breast with emphasis on defending her State Championship title in the 50 back from 2025, setting her already claimed 50 free and 50 back team records even lower, and breaking the Dolphins 50 breast team record of which she is only a fraction of a second away.

Kennedy Foulds, another veteran swimmer, will be swimming the 50 free, 100 free, 50 back, 50 breast, and 100 IM looking to improve upon her times.

Debuting at her first State level competition in only her second season is Adeline Vazquez competing in the 50 free, 100 free, and 200 free. For the boys, veteran swimmer Lawton Ferris looks to continue his achievements in 50 free, 100 free, 200 free, 50 back, and 100 IM.

The 11-12 age group has two experienced State level swimmers represented by Kate Hull and Maggie Williams, and one newcomer to State level competition with Alex Beiu.

Kate Hull has her focus set on the 50 free, 100 free, 200 free, and 50 back in hopes of achieving best times and a showing in the highly coveted finals heats at night.

Maggie Williams looks to return to the finals heats in her events including the 50 free, 100 free, 50 butterfly, and 50 breast. For the boys, Alex Beiu will be swimming the 50 free, 100 free, and 200 free at his first State level competition in only his second season of competitive swimming.

Rounding out the State roster in the 15 and over age group includes Dezmond Beltz in the 50 free and 100 free. This is Dezmond’s second season with the Dolphins and first State level competition where he looks forward to proving himself amongst the fastest swimmers in the State.

Alex Moutarde, in the 50 free and 100 free, also looks to test himself against the fastest swimmers in the State looking to swim personal best in his events.

Swimming for his last time in State competition will be long time veteran YMCA Dolphin, Tim Guzewich in the 50 free and 100 back. Tim will be looking to finish out his swimming career at the top of his game in both of his events.

“The athletes are looking sharp and training has been going very well. The team is excited to compete and have fun at this venue which is one of the largest in New York State. It’s an Olympic sized pool with a colosseum style setup.”

Wish these athletes luck at States as they represent our local Norwich YMCA. Go Dolphins!

-Information from the Norwich YMCA Dolphins