Tonawanda Titan swimmers set 26 club records

Joe Martin, left, Peter McCarthy (East Amherst), and Dylan Telford (Kenmore) helped the Town of Tonawanda Titans 11-12 men's relay to three records at the STAR meet held June 1-3 at Erie Community College.

Twenty-six Tonawanda Titans Swim Club records fell at the STAR Kickoff long course meet held June 1-3.

All of the races were held in a 50-meter pool at the Erie Community College natatorium. Fifteen swim clubs participated in the meet, with 541 athletes competing. The Titans entered 88 swimmers.

Girls 10 and under

The girls ten and under division was dominated by Emily Kopas (Amherst). In nine events, Kopas finished in first place seven times. Once again, she registered national age-group reportable times in the 50- and 100-meter breaststroke. Kopas set new Titan club records in the 400 freestyle ("AAAA" time), 200 breast, 200 backstroke, and 100 breast. The 100 ("AAA" time) and 400 ("AAAA" time) free, 50 ("AAAA" time), and 100 back ("AAA" time), and 50 and 100 breast were all qualifying times for the Northeastern zone meet for the United States.

Allison Kopas (Amherst) set two Titan club records in the 50 and 100 back in the girls eight and under category. Kopas won five of her eight races, stripping 29.72 seconds from her times.

Lauren Phillips had strong first-time swims in the 200 breast, 200 back, 200 fly and 400 free ("AA" time). Phillips dropped 1.24 seconds from the 50 and 100 free, resulting in "A" times in both events.

Madeline Jacumski (Clarence) sliced 3.42 seconds from her swims with an "A" time in the 100 free and "BB" times in the 100 breast and 100 fly, also a first place finish. Miranda Bigham scored "BB" times in the 50 back, 50 fly and 100 free by pulling 7.20 seconds from her times. Katelyn Battaglia (East Amherst) scratched 1.97 seconds from her 50 free ("BB" time) and 50 breast ("BB" time). Margaret Scherer achieved "BB" times in the 100 and 400 free, 50 and 100 breast, 50 back, and 50 fly. Katherine Sullivan (Kenmore) reached a "BB" time in the 50 free and "B" times in the 50 back and 50 fly by slashing 4.36 seconds from her swims. Emily Augugliaro shed 14.28 seconds from her events and triumphed with best times in every race. Amanda Gareis burned 22.76 seconds from her events, resulting in "BB" times in the 50 back and 50 breast. Gareis hit "B" times in the 50 free and 100 back.

Chandler Hawkins (Amherst) swam the 100 breast in a "BB" time and 50 breast in a "B" time. Allison McCarthy (East Amherst) trimmed 5.74 seconds from her 50 free ("BB" time) and 50 breast ("B" time). Taylor Meciszewski (Tonawanda) carved 13.36 seconds from her two events. Jenna Rice (Kenmore) snipped 1.41 seconds from the 100 free and 50 fly and was rewarded with "BB" times in both events. Julia Sagasta (Tonawanda) hacked 19.33 seconds from the 50 and 100 breast, earning "BB" times in both. Alexandra Walter swam to a "B" time in the 50 free.

Boys 10 and under

The boys ten and under division showcased the talents of Justin Sagasta (Tonawanda). Sagasta delivered "BB" times in the 50 and 100 free. Sagasta claimed "B" times in the 50 breast and the 50 and 100 back by chopping 11.21 seconds from his events. Ian Eisenberger earned "BB" times in the 50 free and 50 back.

Girls 11-12 The girls 11-12 division was strong. Lindsey Sagasta (Tonawanda) slashed 58.65 seconds from her events, receiving an "AAA" time in the 100 free. The 200 individual medley, 50 and 200 free, and the 50, 100, and 200 back were all "AA" times for Sagasta. Sagasta scored "A" times in the 200 breast and 50 fly. In addition, she won six of her events.

Haley Rice (Kenmore) was a force in the pool, claiming "A" times in the 50 and 200 back. Rice followed up with "BB" times in the 200 IM, 50 and 100 free, and 100 fly. The 400 free and 200 breast were both "B" level swims.

Jacquie Sagasta annihilated 39.34 seconds from her events. She claimed "A" times in the 100 free and 100 breast. Sagasta grabbed "BB" times in the 50 and 200 free, 50 back, and 200 breast.

Brigid Treverton cut 2.68 seconds from her 50 back and picked up a "B" time. Natalie Brophy nailed a "B" time by stripping 4.37 seconds from the 50 free. Samantha Kahn reduced her times by 7.99 seconds and seized "BB" times in the 100 free and 200 IM. Emily Opalinski had a delightful first time swim in the 200 breast. Hayley Hofmar-Glennon (Amherst) had a wonderful meet, chopping 12.87 seconds from her events.

Boys 11-12

The boys 11-12 division was outstanding, breaking three club relay records (200 free, 400 free, and 400 medley) and nine individual records.

Joe Martin was quite a force, dropping 21.20 seconds, while setting records in the 400 IM, 50 and 100 free and 50 breast. Martin earned Northeastern United States zone qualifying times in the 50, 100, and 200 free, 50, 100, and 200 breast and the 100 back. Not surprising, Martin was also a part of all three record-setting relays.

Declan McLaughlin (Orchard Park) set new club records in the 200 back, 100 and 200 back. By dropping 9.07 seconds, McLaughlin, earned Northeastern United States zone qualifying times in the 100 and 200 breast. Cameron MacDonald (East Amherst) set a new Titan club record in the 50 fly ("AA" time) and simultaneously qualified for the United States Northeastern zone meet. MacDonald was also a participant in the three club record-setting relays. MacDonald earned "AA" times in the 50 free and 50 back. The 100 free and 200 back resulted in "A" times for MacDonald. Dylan Telford (Tonawanda) swam in all three record-setting relays, slashing 44.66 seconds from his events. Consequently, Telford received an "AA" time in the 200 back and "A" times in the 200 IM, and 50 free. Telford scored "BB" times in the 50 back and 50 fly.

Peter McCarthy (East Amherst) was in all three club-record relays. In addition, he set a new club record in the 200 fly. McCarthy cut 27.16 seconds from his events which helped him earn an "A" time in the 50 free. McCarthy swam the 400 IM, 100 and 200 back, 50, 100 and 200 fly in "BB" level times. Julian Cavanaugh-Gordon (Cheektowaga) clipped 3.05 seconds, earning "B" times in the 50 and 100 free. Michael Christie (Tonawanda) hacked and astonishing 63.15 seconds from five events. Robert Augugliaro swam the 100 breast and struck 2.89 seconds from his entry time.

Girls 13-14

The girls 13-14 division was dominated by Marissa Dressel. Dressel raised the bar, swimming qualifying times for the Eastern Zone Super Sectional meet in Maryland this July by dropping time in the 50, 100, 200, 400 and 800 free as well as the 100 and 200 fly. The 400 free was a national age-group reportable time, and a new Titan club record. She also set records in the 400 IM, 100, 200, and 800 free and the 100 and 200 fly. Dressel competed against all girls from age 13 and up to realize first place finishes in four events and second place finishes in the other four.

Megan Sullivan (Kenmore) carved time from the 200 back and 200 IM, achieving "BB" times in both events. Caroline Wydysh earned "BB" times in the 50 and 100 free, with personal best times. Sarah Boyer demanded a "B" time in the 100 fly. Monica Debus hacked an astounding 58.04 seconds from her events and snatched "B" times in the 50 free and 200 back. Alli Gielowski worked hard in five events.

Boys 13-14

The boys 13-14 division was led by Alec Pokornowski (Clarence), who obliterated 51.55 seconds from his events.

Pokornowski's supreme efforts were rewarded with Northeastern United States zone qualifying times in the 100 back ("AA" time), 100 ("AA" time), and 800 ("AAA" time) free. Pokornowski grabbed an "AA" time in the 400 free and "A" times in the 200 IM, 50 and 200 free.

Jacob Hofmar-Glennon (Amherst) pulled 14.94 seconds from his events and earned "A" times in the 50 free, 100 and 200 back. The 100 and 400 free, 100 breast, and 200 IM were all "BB" times for Hofmar-Glennon. Alexander Spatzer (Kenmore) nailed "B" times in the 100 back and 100 fly. Stephen Davis (Tonawanda) had a satisfying first time swim in the 200 back, yielding a "B" time. Kevin Fan (Clarence) was triumphant, gaining a "BB" time in the 200 free. Benjamin Verdi smoked 16.43 seconds from his events, delivering a "B" time in the 50 free. Brendan Treverton pushed himself, cutting 11.13 seconds from his two swims. Colin Treverton was stalwart in his two events.

Girls seniors

The girls senior division spotlighted the talented Jennifer Anthone ( Williamsville).

The 100 free ("AAA" time) was a personal-best United States Northeastern zone qualifying time for Anthone. In addition, the 400 free ("A" time), 200 free ("AA" time) and 100 fly ("A' time) were all best times for Anthone. Victoria Jacumski (Clarence) grabbed Northeastern United States zone qualifying times in the 100 free ("AAA" time), 100 and 200 breast (both "AAA" times). Jacumski cut 9.73 seconds and claimed "AA" times in the 200 back and 400 IM.

Abigail MacDonald (East Amherst) was determined, burning 8.17 seconds from her swims. The 100 back was an "AA" time for MacDonald. The 50 free ("A" time) 200 free ("BB" time), 200 IM ("A" time) and 100 fly ("BB" time) were all personal-best swims for MacDonald.

Frances Stephenson swam Northeastern United States zone qualifying times in the 400 IM, 50 and 100 free. Meghan Lafferty (Amherst) swam "AA" times in the 50 and 100 free. Alaina Laszewski (Williamsville) was successful with "A" times in the 50 free and 200 back. Laszewski delivered a "BB" time in the 100 fly. Laura Savattieri (Williamsville) had a personal best "AA" time in the 50 free. Rachel Chapman appeared on the scene with "A" times in the 50 and 100 free. Chapman hit a "BB" time in the 100 breast. Kristin Millar culled 18.94 seconds from her events with "BB" times in the 200 back, 50 and 100 free. Millar plucked a "B" time in the 100 back. Kelsey Rice (Kenmore) sparkled with a 7.07 second decrease and "BB" times in the 100 back and 200 IM. The 200 free and 100 fly were both personal-best "B" swims for Rice.

Sarah Savattieri (Williamsville) reached a "BB" time in the 200 IM. Corey Swift (Williamsville) slashed 20.04 seconds from her events and was rewarded with a "B" time in the 50 free. Melanie Corwin (Clarence) dropped a tremendous 6.57 seconds from the 200 back and demanded a "BB" time. Julia deGuehery (Tonawanda) cut 2.72 seconds in the 100 fly, giving her a "B" time. Laura Powalski (Williamsville) swam an "AAA" time in the 50 free. Sam Palma (Lancaster) had a supreme effort, eliminating 2.81 seconds from her 200 free, earning both an "AA" time and qualifying Palma for the Northeastern United States zone meet.

Liz Subjeck (Williamsville) was persistent in her six events. Rebecca Akers (East Amherst) was smooth in her swims. April Boyer was sublime in her six events. Tristen Chiarmonte (East Amherst) was charming in the 100 free and 100 back. Eleanor Clay made her presence known in her four events.

Boys senior

The boys senior division made its mark with Mike Szyprowski, Joe Subjeck, Randall Snodgrass and Cory Skiba setting a new Titans club record in the senior 200 medley relay.

Randall Snodgrass (Tonawanda) slammed 10.43 seconds from four events, resulting in an "AAA" time in the 50 free. The 200 free ("AA" time), 200 IM ("A" time) and 100 fly ("B" time) were all excellent swims for Snodgrass. Joey Subjeck (Williamsville) pounded his way through four events. Cory Skiba had a personal-best "AA" time in the 100 free. Mike Szyprowski (Grand Island) was a trooper in the 100 back. Stephen Deck (Tonawanda) experienced a "B" time with a personal-best 100 fly. Conor Drmacich (Tonawanda) cut time in the 100 free ("BB" time) and 100 back ("B" time). Max Ruotsi was tremendous with a personal best "AA" time in the 50 free and an "A" time in the 200 IM. Alex Ivancic (Kenmore) powered 53.94 seconds from his events, resulting in a "BB" time in the 50 free and "B" times in the 200 and 400 free, 200 back, and 200 IM. Pat Hurley had personal-best "BB" time swims in the 50 free and 100 breast. Timothy Harroun (Tonawanda) presided over an "A" time in the 100 free and a "BB" time in the 200 breast. Ryan Rhoss stripped an impressive 46.10 seconds and was rewarded with a "B" time 50 free. Gene Williams (Cheektowaga) was a constant over the course of the three-day meet, competing in six individual events and two relays.

The Titans have begun the long course swim season by asserting their presence in the Western New York swim community. With qualifiers in many high level meets in the Eastern United States. Coach Scott Vanderzell and his staff are guiding the swimmers through what promises to be a successful and productive season. For more information, visit www. ttscswimming. com