BUFFALO — The Oneida YMCA Dolphins swim team returned from the 2023 New York State YMCA Championship Meet on March 18-19 with top performers, two state titles and one YMCA National Meet qualifier.

Twenty swimmers ages 7-17 competed against the top athletes from participating YMCA’s across New York state at the Burt Flickinger Aquatic Center in Buffalo. Posting fast times and top notable performances came from Ethan Schmitt and Charlie Martin.

Schmitt proved to be a top competitor in the men’s 15-19 age group. Schmitt clinched a state title in the 100-yard freestyle. Schmitt also placed second in the 200 freestyle, third in the 500 freestyle and eighth in the 100 butterfly. In addition to his top finishes, Schmitt also qualified for the YMCA National Meet in the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle. Schmitt will travel to Greensboro, North Carolina, in April to compete among the top YMCA athletes in the country. Schmitt is the first athlete from the Oneida Dolphins to qualify for the national meet.

Schmitt recalls the moment, “when I first turned around and looked at the clock, I felt an adrenaline rush flow through my chest. The feeling of accomplishing such an achievement was overtaking in the moment. I just had to smack the water. No feeling can ever match what I felt at that moment.”

Coach Emily Lapier shares, “Ethan had a goal of qualifying for nationals and has been training and preparing all season. It was an emotional moment for Ethan, the team, and his family. We are very proud of him.”

Martin showed strong representation in the 11-12 age group. Martin clinched a state title placing first in the men’s 11-12 50 breaststroke. Martin’s accomplishments also included placing fourth in the 50 freestyle, second in the 50 backstroke, second in the 200 individual medley and third in the 100 freestyle.

Grady Gaudet, a first time state competitor, had a standout performance, achieving top eighth finishes in all of his individual events for the men’s 13-14 age group. Gaudet placed sixth in the 50 freestyle, fifth in the 200 freestyle, seventh in the 100 freestyle and eighth in the 100 breaststroke (new team record).

Graduating seniors Paris Hoang and Leah Giess shared a stellar final state meet. Giess finished 14th in the 500 freestyle. Hoang placed 15th in the 50 freestyle (team record), 12th in the 100 backstroke and 16th in the 100 freestyle (new team record).