The Byron-Bergen/LeRoy girls varsity swim team wrapped up a winning season by securing their third consecutive Genesee Region/Niagara Orleans Intersectional Championship and adding eight new records to the record board.
Senior Haylee Gartz claimed five individual records this season in the 50 free style (25.2), 100 free style (54.39), and 200 free style (2:00.25), 100 butterfly (1:00.77), and 200 individual medley (2:19.88). Additionally, she holds the 100 backstroke record from 2024 and the 11 dives record from 2023.
“All the hours of hard work were worth it in the end,” said Haylee. “The pain was temporary. The glory lasts a lifetime.”
The BBL relay teams also earned their places on the record board. The 200 medley relay team of Anna Kent, Haylee Gartz, Mikayla Yohon, and Kara Valdes set a new record of 1:57.95. The 200 free relay team of Haylee Gartz, Mikayla Yohon, Lea Donofrio, and Kara Valdes set a record of 1:44.98. Finally, the 400 free relay team of Mikayla Yohon, Anna Kent, Kara Valdes, and Haylee Gartz set a record of 3:50.28.
“The last several years, Coach Stockwell and Coach Fix have built a powerhouse swim program, and this season is no different,” said Byron-Bergen Athletic Director Rich Hannan. “The kids are great athletes and work so hard to keep getting better, one fraction of a second at a time. Every year I see the record board keep getting updated and even a few that I thought would stand for years to come, have come down. That is a testament to the kids, the coaches and the work they continually put in. It is so fun to watch this program build!”
In addition to the Genesee Region/Niagara Orleans Intersectional Championship, the BBL swimmers won their fifth consecutive GRL Championship meet and the GR League title. The team has not lost a dual meet since January 2021.
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