WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – On a crisp Sunday afternoon, the highly anticipated Girls’ Section 10 Swimming Championships unfolded at the state-of-the-art Maxcy Hall, located on the picturesque campus of SUNY Potsdam, showcasing the exceptional talent of young female swimmers from across the region.
In an electrifying display of speed and skill, St. Lawrence Central’s Sonja Fuller emerged victorious in the fiercely contested 50-yard Freestyle, demonstrating her prowess as one of the top sprinters in the competition.
Potsdam’s Kate Ewy claimed gold in the 100-yard Breaststroke, outperforming her competitors with finesse and technique, adding to her reputation as a formidable swimmer in this challenging event.
Potsdam’s Ella Sekelj made waves as she clinched victory in the 100-yard Butterfly, showcasing her powerful strokes and strategic turns that left the crowd in awe.
Canton’s Kaitlyn Redfern excelled in the 200-yard Individual Medley, skillfully blending her abilities across various strokes to outpace her rivals and secure a well-deserved win.
In an impressive demonstration of teamwork, Canton not only triumphed in the 200-yard Medley and Freestyle Relays but also went on to dominate the competition in the 400-yard Freestyle Relay, solidifying their status as a powerhouse team.
Canton’s Gretchen Braun further established her swimming legacy by winning both the 200-yard and 100-yard Freestyles, showcasing consistency and determination throughout the championships.
In a remarkable feat, Canton’s Lexi Stuntz took home victories in both the grueling 500-yard Freestyle and the 100-yard Backstroke, proving herself as a versatile and formidable competitor.
With a stellar performance overall, the Golden Bears emerged as the champions of the meet, followed closely by strong finishes from Potsdam, St. Lawrence Central, Massena, Malone, Gouverneur, and O.F.A., each demonstrating their commitment to excellence in the sport.
Sectional football titles are on the line this week, as schools vie for a chance to showcase their skills on a larger stage.
In an exciting showdown, the top-seeded General Brown Lions will face off against the second-seeded Bishop Ludden/SAS in the Section 3 Class C Championship game, set to kick off Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. at the JMA Wireless Dome; the victor will earn a coveted spot in the state championships.
Immediately following that clash, a rematch of the previous year’s intense Section 3 Class B championship game awaits, as the Indian River Wolves aim to defend their title against New Hartford, with kickoff scheduled for 5 p.m. at the same venue.
Up north, the state subregionals promise to be a thrilling spectacle. The O.F.A. Blue Devils will hit the road to clash with Section 7’s Beekmantown on Friday night at 7 p.m. at Plattsburgh High School, seeking victory in the Class B division.
Meanwhile, in Class C action, the Gouverneur Wildcats are set to take on Saranac Central in the regional finals, with the critical match slated for Friday night at 7 p.m. at O.F.A., where both teams will battle for a chance at further glory.
On the soccer field, two North Country teams will clash for a coveted spot in the Girls’ State Class D Soccer Championship, as Copenhagen faces off against Colton Pierrepont in the gripping State Class D Semifinals on Saturday at 5 p.m. at Homer High School, promising an exciting match for fans and players alike.
**Interview with Lexi Stuntz, Champion Swimmer from Canton**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Lexi! Congratulations on your impressive victories in the 500-yard Freestyle and the 100-yard Backstroke at the Girls’ Section 10 Swimming Championships. How are you feeling after such a fantastic performance?
**Lexi Stuntz:** Thank you! I’m still on a high from the championships. It feels amazing to see all the hard work paying off, especially in such a competitive environment. Winning those races was surreal, and I’m just really proud of myself and my team.
**Editor:** Your versatility and strength were evident during the races. Can you tell us about your strategy going into the 500-yard Freestyle? It’s quite a grueling event!
**Lexi Stuntz:** Absolutely! The 500-yard Freestyle is all about pacing. I focused on maintaining a steady rhythm for the first half and then pushed myself harder in the final laps. I also relied on my coach’s advice about breathing patterns and turns to keep my energy up.
**Editor:** Team dynamics seemed to play a significant role in this championship, especially with Canton dominating the relays. How important is teamwork in individual sports like swimming?
**Lexi Stuntz:** Teamwork is everything! Even though swimming is considered an individual sport, we work so closely together. The support from my teammates helps keep me motivated, and it’s great to know that we’re all striving for the same goals. Winning the relays really highlighted that teamwork pays off!
**Editor:** The Golden Bears performed remarkably well overall. What do you think sets your team apart from others in the competition?
**Lexi Stuntz:** We have an incredible group of dedicated swimmers who constantly push each other to improve. Our coaches create a great training environment, and I think that combination really shines during competitions. Plus, we share a strong bond which makes our victories even sweeter.
**Editor:** It sounds like there’s a fantastic atmosphere within your team. What are your hopes for the future, both personally and for the team?
**Lexi Stuntz:** Personally, I hope to keep improving and perhaps compete at the state level. For the team, I want us to continue building on our success and maybe even take it to the next level next season. We’re already setting our sights on even bigger goals!
**Editor:** We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you and the Golden Bears. Thank you for your time, Lexi, and congratulations again on your achievements!
**Lexi Stuntz:** Thank you! It was my pleasure to chat.
