Girls' and boys' swimming

Both the boys’ and girls’ swim teams look to dominate the lanes this year. Coached by Jim Gingerich and Nate Gentzler, the boys look to have another successful season. The boys are led by Alec Peckmann, Jesse Tate, Will Hartzell, Ben Fisher and Patrick O'Neill. The male swimmers hope to make States again this year after a previously successful season. Fisher, a senior this year and an alternate at States last year, said that Dallastown is probably their biggest meet this year.

“Our major key to success is Alec Peckmann. I promise you,” said Fisher. Fisher swims the 50-meter freestyle and the 100-meter freestyle for the Panthers. Fisher has been swimming since 7th grade.

“I think we're just taking it one stroke at time, one breath at a time. It's all about having fun,” said Fisher.

“My favorite moment of last season was getting the school district to pay for me to attend the state competition as an alternate. I ate a lot of food and racked up quite a bill,” Fisher said. While Fisher does not plan on swimming in college, he does want to have a good time this season as a senior and a leader on the team.

The girls are led by the Sopko sisters, Olivia, Camryn and Mackenzie, as well as Sarah Spinney and Sarah Hartman. Mackenzie, a senior, swims the 200-meter individual medley, 100-meter breaststroke, 500-meter freestyle and all 3 relays. Mackenzie has been swimming for all four years of her time here at Central York High School, as well as 10 years of swimming for a club swim team.

Sopko said her favorite moment from last swim season was breaking the 400 Freestyle Relay record with Olivia Sopko, Sarah Hartman and Summer McIntyre. “I just want to be an awesome team captain for the girls team and to qualify for districts one last team,” she said, adding that she would be very excited if the girls’ swim team made States.

“The girl’s team has not made States in a very long time, so it'd be really awesome if we had a relay team or a girl go in an individual event. The girls are mainly focusing on Districts again this year, but the boys’ team is definitely focusing on going to States once again,” said Sopko.

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