The Flushing YMCA Flyers Swim Team captured its 18th consecutive YMCA State Championship during the March 19 through March 21 contest in Rochester, N.Y. Points are awarded in five age groups for males and females from first through 16th place. The Flyers
Leading the way for the Flyers was 10-year-old Agata Michalak, who won five gold medals. Agata broke the state record in the 50-yard backstroke with a time of 31.67. She added two first-place finishes in the 50 butterfly (29.99) and 100 individual medley (1:08.63). Agata was on two first-place relays, the 200-yard medley (2:14.70) and 200-yard free (2:02.53) along with Sally Lim, Lauren Ng and Karina Hain.
Also having an outstanding meet for the girls were 12-year-olds Kirsten Guelly and 14-year-old April Lu. Kirsten was victorious in the 50-yard butterfly (28.20) and the 100-yard freestyle (57.25). She was also part of two gold medal relays, teaming up with Sophia Mercurio, Jane Kim and Andrea Yoo to win the 200-yard medley (1:59.54) and 200-yard free (1:47.90).
April captured the 200-yard individual medley (2:18.09) and 100-yard butterfly (1:02.50). She teamed up with Maureen McCluskey, Bianca Martinez and Daniella Hill to place first in the 200 medley relay (1:55.56) and with Maureen, Daniella and Marta Kristic to finish first in the 200-yard free relay (1:44.74).
Other individual state champions for the girls included Jennifer Arana, 7, 50-yard free (33.76); and Elizabeth Kim, 8, 25-yard free, (16.69). Jennifer and Elizabeth teamed with Daniela Giraldo and Jessica Ramirez to win the 100-yard medley relay (1:14.71) and set a new state record, winning the 100-yard free relay with a time of 1:03.13.
Winning three individual events for the boys were 12-year-olds One June Chang and Kenny Kim. One June won the 50-yard free (25.34), 200-yard free (2:03.74) and 50-yard butterfly (28.34). Kenny won the 200-yard individual medley (2:18.12), 100-yard free (55.73) and 50-yard breaststroke (32.74).
One June and Kenny combined with Lucas Knight and Justin Ng to win the 200-yard medley relay (1:59.52) . Close behind was 13-year-old Timothy Nam with first places in the 200-yard individual medley (2:07.00) and 100-yard breaststroke (1:04.38).
Other state champions for the boys included 14-year-old Sung Moon Chung, 200 free (1:53.12); Stefan Garcia, 10, 200 free (2:18.23); and Jordan Knight, 8, 100-yard individual medley (1:25.75). Tim and Sung Moon captured gold along with team members Karl Pepe and James Pickel in the 200-yard medley relay (1:51.00) and 200-yard free relay (1:38.05).
The 15-18 boys, Tony Zhang, Shunpei Okochi, Philip Dzieniszewski and Paul Payabyab, were victorious in the 200-yard medley relay (1:41.97), and Tony, Paul, Jason Yen and Kevin Kim took home gold in the 200-yard free relay (1:29.82) and 400-yard free relay (3:18.70).
More than 1,100 swimmers representing 38 teams competed in the meet. Next year’s meet will be at Eisenhower Park in Nassau County, hosted by the Flushing and Huntington YMCAs.
Up next for Flushing will be the YMCA National Championships in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. from April 5 to April 8. April Lu, Bianca Martinez, Maureen McCluskey, Dorota Sawicz, Michelle Varga, Philip Dzieniszewski, Daniel Moreno, Shunpei Okochi, Paul Payabyab, Jason Yen and Tony Zhang will represent the Flyers.
The Flushing YMCA swim team is comprised of girls and boys ages 6 to 18. The Flyers are coached by Richard Finkelstein, Nancy Lampasso, Len Galluzzi, Charles Lampasso, Dina Katz and Tim Hogan.
Tryouts for the summer program will be Wednesday and Thursday, May 5 and 6, at 5 p.m., and Saturday, May 8, at 8 a.m. The YMCA is at 138-46 Northern Blvd. in Flushing and can be reached at 718-961-6880, Ext. 140.
