Josh Kocan takes a break in the Steiner Family Aquatics Center at the Hornell YMCA during his training for the New York State championships this weekend in Long Island.
By JOHN ANDERSON
It was an incredible season for the Hornell YMCA Hammerhead swim team, and for two swimmers, the season will continue.
Josh Kocan and Marek Kaszynski each qualified for the state championships in Long Island in three different events each.
They will be competing against the top swimmers who qualified in YMCA league championships all over New York State.
The YMCA state championships will be held this weekend at the Nassau Aquatic Center in East Meadow.
Kocan qualified in the 100 free, 100 butterfly and 50 free. Kaszynski qualified in the 100 free, 100 backstroke and 50 free.
Kaszynski, who attends Hornell, broke the school record in the 100-yard backstroke this past season.
The Hornell YMCA Hammerhead swim team competes in the Buffalo/Rochester YMCA swim league against other YMCAs through the season.
The competition to get to the state championships was incredible for the Hornell swimmers.
Coaches Natalie Donahue, Max Freas and Hunter Camacho coached the Hammerheads during the 2021-2022 season.
About the Hornell Hammerheads: The swim team will start the 2022-2023 season on September 12 if your are interested in joining.
Practices will be held Monday through Thursday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The cost is $45 a month, and swimmers must be members of the YMCA.
If you are a high school swimmer, the cost is $90 for the entire season. There are meets and invitationals throughout the season, as well as a District Championship, and a State Championship.
If you’re interested, please call the Hornell YMCA at 607-324-5520 or email ndonahue@hornellymca.com.
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