GSCY Storm Wins NJ YMCA State Championship, Displays Powerhouse Performances across 13/O and 12/U Groups

GSCY Storm Connect

GSCY Storm swimmers showcased impressive swims at the NJ YMCA State Championships, winning the state championship title and sweeping the Men's, Women's and Combined Categories.  The 13/O Storm swimmers competed in Lancaster, PA this past weekend and the 12/U group competed in Toms River, NJ on February 25-27.  

"I could not be prouder of the performances we've seen over the last few weeks from our swimmers," says Lou Petto, GSCY Head Coach and Director of Competitive Aquatics.  "I am beyond thrilled with our results, but it has been more gratifying to see the grit, resilience, teamwork and sheer determination of this group in and out of the pool.

"I want to thank all of our coaches, who have gone above and beyond in developing our athletes and helping them achieve their goals. I also want to thank our parents and volunteers for supporting our athletes and our program throughout the season. Simply put, the level of success that our team has achieved would not be possible without all of you."

Some additional highlights:

A total of 11 GSCY Storm swimmers made Y National cuts during the state championships, joining 42 swimmers in the team who already qualified during the regular season.  Our swimmers will be competing at the YMCA National Championships in Greensboro, NC from March 28th to April 1st.

A number of GSCY swimmers also achieved meet records during state championships:

  • Catherine Meisner - Women 15-21 200 Yard Freestyle (1:47.98), Women 15-21 500 Yard Freestyle (4:50.06), and Women 15-21 400 Yard IM (4:20.72)
  • Emily Thompson - Women 15-21 200 Yard Backstroke (1:57.27) 
  • Kenneth Barnicle - Men 13-14 200 Yard IM (1:55.16)
  • Women 15-21 400 Yard Freestyle Relay: Catherine Meisner, Caitlyn Hughes, Grace Zhou and Emily Thompson (3:25.47)
  • Women 15-21 400 Yard Medley Relay:  Emily Thompson, Meghan Sharma, Grace Zhou and Catherine Meisner (3:43.60)
  • Men 13-14 200 Yard Medley Relay: Kenneth Barnicle, Gregory Yukhvid, Derin Ozbas, and Christopher Wasko (1:37.60)

Congratulations to all on a terrific NJ YMCA State Championships! Go GSCY Storm!