By Cecelia Chase / The Jambar
A weekend defined by fast swims, a loud pool deck and a growing sense of confidence inside Beeghly Natatorium marked the Youngstown State University swim and dive program’s first multi-day invitational in more than three decades over Nov. 20-22.
Across three days, the men’s and women’s teams combined for several event wins, new school records and NCAA Zone qualifying diving performances.
The men’s team rewrote YSU’s history book, as it set three school records on Day One of the meet. Graduate student Quinn Cynor set the program’s 500 freestyle record by two seconds, with a touch 4:22.97 as the Penguins swept the top-five spots.
After the race, Cynor said setting the records showcased only a small portion of the team’s capabilities.
“I’d say this was a superb performance,” Cynor said. “We only took about three days’ rest, and to get that many pool and school records shows what we’re capable of when we’re not even fully rested.”
The men’s relay followed in record-breaking pursuit, as the 400 medley relay of Cynor, senior James Slessor, sophomores Lorenz Beck and Jacob Gramer broke the program’s record by three seconds.
In addition to the medley record, Gramer also achieved individual wins in the 50 free, with a time of 20.35 seconds and the 50 fly, with a time of 21.58 seconds. In response to his award-winning day, Gramer said he worked hard in practice to perform during the meet.
“I executed the best on the relays this week,” Gramer said. “And in my 100 free and 50 fly, I was able to go out hard, bring it back and not die. That’s always the goal.”
The women’s team produced its own standout moments. Freshman Orla Maccines set a new school record in the 100 fly with 55.22 seconds. The Penguins swept the top-three spots in the 500 free, led by sophomore Olivia Sweetman, whose time of 4:54.42 set a pool record.
Graduate student Hannah Murray won the individual medley with a time of 58.48 seconds and the 200 breaststroke with a time of 2:20.63. She also placed third in the 50 breaststroke and finished runner-up in the 200 individual medley.
After the invitational, Murray said there were times during her events where she struggled, but was focused on performing well for the team.
“I was on the struggle bus a little bit,” Murray said. “But I came through for the team because of their energy cheering me on. The environment here is so supportive. Everyone backs you every time you hit the water.”
YSU also swept both the men’s and women’s diving events. Senior Zachary Lao won the men’s one-meter dive with an NCAA Zone qualifying score of 319.90, while freshman Rafael Serey-Cormier finished second with a score of 309.20. Junior Hanna Held swept the women’s boards, winning both the one and three-meter dives.
Cynor said the team’s chemistry is one of its biggest strengths.
“This is the most fun I’ve had in any collegiate season,” Cynor said. “We practice fast to swim fast. And the camaraderie — we joke around, we push each other and we’re having a ton of fun.”
Head Coach Brad Smith said the weekend reflects the program’s direction.
“This is arguably the strongest men’s and women’s teams in program history,” Smith said. “We want to win a conference title and compete nationally.”
Up next, Youngstown State turns its attention to the Zippy Invitational on Dec. 4-7 in Akron. Smith said both teams are competitive this year and will showcase that against a tough field.
“We’re here to stay,” Smith said. “And we’re just getting started.”