Stingray swimmers get geared up for their events. From left, Lydia Lamont, Izzy Watson, Liam Genewick, and Ryan Santarsiero. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS)

ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com

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Lockport's Madison Fragale sprints to victory in the 50 Breast.

Now four meets into the season and the Lockport YMCA Stingrays are striking a perfect balance of welcoming new swimmers to the pool, and at the same time posting more state qualifying times. Leading the way this past Saturday was Megan Tatro, who won all three of her individual events in state qualifying times (200 IM, 100 Free, and 50 Back). Zachary Santarsiero also punched his ticket to states with a blazing time in the 100 Free.

First-time Stingray swimmers this season were Madison Keleher and Evan Chesko. Keleher looked strong in her three individual events (50 Free, 100 Free, and 100 Breast), while Chesko put up personal best times in all three of his events (100 Free, 50 Fly, and 50 Back).

Coach Tim Menges was impressed with the hard work put in by all swimmers after last weekends bye. "Every week it is nice to see new swimmers joining the team, working hard in paractice, and performing well in the Meets. At the same time, we are seeing our veteran swimmers challenging themselves with new events."

Menges noted the strong effort of a number of swimmers who continue to show outstanding improvement, including Jacob Schnure, who dropped two seconds off his backstroke time; Ramsey Ross, who led the Stingrays to a victory swimming a strong opening leg of the boys 200 Medley Relay; and Elizabeth Kershaw, who touched first in both the 50 Back and 100 IM.

Other first place finishers for Lockport were: Madison Fragale (100 Free, 50 Free and 50 Breast), Jenna Bull (200 Free, 50 Free and 50 Breast), Aidan Moran (25 Fly and 25 Free), Angelina Peruzzini (100 Free and 50 Back), Chris Ulrich (100 Free), Karma Meadows (50 Free), Elizabeth Swartz (200 Free), and Meghan Mietlicki (100 Breast and 50 Free).

The Stingrays travel to North Tonawanda High School this Saturday to take on the Ken-Ton Y at 11:30 a.m.

Anyone interested in joining the Stingrays (ages 6 - 18) can call the Lockport YMCA at 434-8887.

Lockport's Ava Conklin comes up for a breath in the girl's 100 Free.

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