YMCA Stingray swimmers are looking forward to the state championship this weekend. Pictured are, back row from left: Ryan Santarsiero, Megan Tatro, Gina Artieri, Ethan Menges, Riley Adams, Jesiica Sacco, Meaghan Mietlicki, Sam Murphy, and James Sacco. Front row from left: Ava Conklin, Aiden Moran, Ava Thompson, Madison Fragale, Luke Menges, Zackary Santarsiero, Laurel Creamer, Liam Timkey. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com

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The Lockport YMCA Stingrays are sending 18 of their top swimmers to the Nassau Aquatic Center in Long Island this weekend for the NYS YMCA State Swim Championships — a testament to the season-long dedication and hard work of the swimmers.

Coach Tim Menges has the team in peak condition for the three-day event, noting that "the kids have been working very hard over the last six weeks. I am looking forward to a great meet and many best times".

Leading the way for the Stingrays is a strong contingent of six swimmers in the 8-and-under division. Four of those swimmers have qualified in three events: Ava Thompson (100 IM, 25 Breast & 25 Fly), Aiden Moran (50 Free, 25 Free & 25 Fly), Ava Conklin (25 Free, 50 Free, & 100 Free), and Zackary Santarsiero (25 Free, 100 Free & 25 Fly). Rounding out the 8-and-unders are Liam Timkey (25 Back) and Laurel Creamer (25 Back).

In the 9-10 age group, Lockport features three swimmers:  Luke Menges (50 Fly, 50 Back & 100 IM), Madison Fragale (100 Free, 200 Free & 50 Breast), and Ryan Santarsiero (200 Free).

Two of Lockport's top swimmers will be featured in the 11-12 age group. Mark Crocker hopes to shine again in the 50 Free, 50 Fly and 200 Free, while Sam Murphy will focus his talents on the 200 IM, 50 Fly and 50 Breast.

With five swimmers in the 13-14 age group, the girls hope to make a splash in both individual and relay events. Meghan Mietlicki will be Freestyling in all three events (50, 100 & 200), Megan Tatro will compete in Backstroke (100 & 200) and will finish out with the 100 Free, and Riley Adams is featured in the 100 Free, 100 Fly and 200 Free. These three young ladies with be joined by Jessica Sacco in the Open Relays (200 Free and Medley).  For the boys Jimmy Sacco (50 Free, 100 Free & 200 Free) and Ethan Menges (50 Free, 200 Free & 500 Free) are the Stingrays hopes at gold.

Lastly, in the 15-18 group, Jessica Sacco will swim the 200 IM, 100 Free and 100 Back, with Lockport's long distance specialist Gina Artieri going for it all in the 200 Free and 500 Free.

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