STATE COLLEGE — The State College YMCA recently hosted the CenKey Swim League Championships on Feb. 14 and Feb. 15, welcoming 501 swimmers from 10 teams across the region. At the conclusion of the two-day competition, the SCAY AquaLions emerged as league champions, securing first place with a team score of 2,783.
A total of 118 swimmers represented the State College YMCA, contributing to a dominant team performance that placed them ahead of the Eastern Lycoming YMCA (2,604), River Valley YMCA (1,416.50), Clearfield YMCA (1,129), and Clarion County YMCA (809.50).
This marks another milestone for the AquaLions, who previously captured CenKey titles in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2022.
The team also set seven records during the championship meet:
- Liam Burmeister — 9–10 Boys 200 IM (2:42.64), 50 Breast (38.57), 100 Breast (1:23.93)
- Gracin Valentine — 11–12 Girls 500 Free (5:56.62)
- Lucia Fernandez-Murillo — 13–14 Girls 1650 Free (21:36.13)
- Mariano Fernandez-Murillo — 13–14 Boys 1000 Free (11:17.89)
- SCAY 9–10 Girls 200 Free Relay — 2:06.99
In addition to record-setting swimming, the team celebrated 21 individual event champions: Gracin Valentine, Leo Hutchinson, Kayleen Oziemblowsky, Liam Burmeister, Colby Dixson, Tris Harvey, Callie Dixson, Chris Roe, Ulric Leonard, Shelby Bowersox, Jack Wolfe, Emme Lago, Lucas Mercier, Connor Dixson, Emme Podgurski, Caylynn Dixson, Odin Leonard, Lucia Fernandez-Murillo, Elijah Mercier, Mackabrie Winter, and Mariano Fernandez-Murillo.
They also earned five relay victories in the following events:
- 8 & Under Boys 100 Free Relay
- 9–10 Girls 200 Free Relay
- 11–12 Boys 200 Free Relay
- 13–14 Girls 200 Medley Relay
- 13–14 Boys 200 Free Relay
“I’m incredibly proud of our AquaLions for capturing the CenKey Swim League Championships,” said head coach Michael Blacksten. “This meet was a testament to our swimmers’ dedication, teamwork, and resilience throughout the season. The energy on deck has been amazing, and we are excited to carry that momentum into PA YMCA Districts and PA YMCA States in March.”
The State College YMCA commends the team for their hard work, sportsmanship, and commitment demonstrated by its swimmers and coaching staff. Their success reflects not only hours of training in the pool, but also a strong sense of teamwork and community.
