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Northern Lights swim holds end of year banquet

Northern Lights swimmer Dominic Tatangelo competes in the backstroke. (Courtesy photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — After a successful season in the pool, the Northern Lights YMCA swim team met up to celebrate.

Consisting of swimmers ranging from 6-years-old up to 18-year-olds, Northern Lights had 76 swimmers and competed against teams throughout Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

“The Northern Lights YMCA swim team concluded an outstanding season, marked by record-setting performances, state championship qualifiers, and a variety of individual awards celebrating achievements in competition, sportsmanship, and personal growth,” coach Aimee Tatangelo said.

Every season, Northern Lights awards a Swimmer of the Year honor. This year, Kristina Kreh and Dominic Tatangelo took home the honor.

“At 15 years old, Kristina Kreh embodies what it means to be a dedicated athlete,” Tatangelo said. “She listens attentively, applies feedback, and consistently pushes herself to improve. Whether it’s at practice or in competition, Kreh demonstrates an incredible work ethic and a positive attitude that inspires those around her. Her technical precision, determination, and ability to rise to any challenge make her a true leader on the team.

Northern Lights swimmer Kristina Kreh swims during a meet. (Courtesy photo)

“Beyond her impressive performance in the water, Kreh is known for her sportsmanship and team-first mentality. She encourages teammates, leads by example, and is always willing to put in the extra effort to achieve her goals.”

Tatangelo, a 12-year-old, was the top point earner on the team and set new team records in the 200-yard backstroke and 400-yard individual medley.

“Tatangelo’s ability to perform under pressure and consistently drop time throughout the season made him a standout competitor,” coach Tatangelo said. “His commitment to improvement and relentless drive make him one of the most promising young swimmers in the program. Tatangelo’s work ethic, combined with his natural talent, has made a significant impact on the team.”

The Northern Lights team also handed out multiple other awards.

Bella Hayes, Olivia VandenBush, Mia Peters, Auggie Tappy, George Fornetti, Izzy Peters, Jack Krznarich, Kelsey Stanek, Ava Cowen, Joslyn Warren, Ella Hoy, Claire DeRidder, Hanna Hill, Leo Hill, Caden Tafoya, Isaac Sage, Eli Smith and Eleanor Mitchell all received the Guppy Award.

Triston Trevillian and Katarina Blair received the Long Distance award. Sophia Hayes, Archer Koprowski, Ben Lundholm, Adalyn St. Arnold, Bailey Swickler, Mateo Raiche received the Positive Attitude award. Gemma Raiche, Will Poquette, Felicity DeGroot and Miriam Gustafson took home the Sportsmanship award while Ana DeGroot, Sebastian Tappy, Charlie Lundholm, Lucy Krznarich, Logan Corsi, Rylee Poquette and Sawyer Williams received the Hustle award.

During the banquet, the Northern Lights team recognized eight athletes that set new records during the season. Sawyer Williams, Greyson Williams, Elliana Williams, James Carlson, Allison Deuter, Bryce Johnson, Dominic Tatangelo and Sierra Tatangelo each set records in their age groups.

“The Northern Lights YMCA swim team showcased incredible determination, sportsmanship, and teamwork throughout the season, setting a high bar for next year,” Tatangelo said.

The entire list of awards are below.

Guppy Awards – Bella Hayes, Olivia VandenBush, Mia Peters, Auggie Tappy, George Fornetti, Izzy Peters, Jack Krznarich, Kelsey Stanek, Ava Cowen, Joslyn Warren, Ella Hoy, Claire DeRidder, Hanna Hill, Leo Hill, Caden Tafoya, Isaac Sage, Eli Smith, Eleanor Mitchell

Long Distance Award – Triston Trevillian, Katarina Blair

Positive Attitude – Sophia Hayes, Archer Koprowski, Ben Lundholm, Adalyn St. Arnold, Bailey Swickler, Mateo Raiche

Sportsmanship – Gemma Raiche, Will Poquette, Felicity DeGroot, Miriam Gustafson

Hustle Award – Ana DeGroot, Sebastian Tappy, Charlie Lundholm, Lucy Krznarich, Logan Corsi, Rylee Poquette, Sawyer Williams

Coaches Choice Award – Ella McLaughlin, Aubree Peterson, Allison Deuter, Sierra Tatangelo

Shooting Star Award – Jack Krznarich, Kelsey Stanek, Izzy Peters

Most Improved Swimmer – James Carlson, Annika Gustafson

Most Valuable Teammate – Mike Covitz, Greyson Williams

Top Butterfly Swimmers – Elliana Williams, Clare Lundholm, Dom Tatangelo

Top Backstroke Swimmers – Bryce Johnson, Ella Murphy, Catherine Majors

Top Breaststroke Swimmers – George Fornetti, Jonas Eloranta, Cira Windell

Top Freestyle Swimmers – Claire DeRidder, Aubrey Dixon, Forest Koprowski, Dillon Okerlund

Swimmers of the Year – Kristina Kreh and Dominic Tatangelo

Records

Sawyer Williams – 9/10 age group – 200-yard backstroke, 1000-yard freestyle

Greyson Williams – 8 and under – 100-yard backstroke, 500-yard freestyle

Elliana Williams – 11/12 age group – 1000-yard freestyle

James Carlson – 8 and under – 2000-yard freestyle

Allison Deuter – 15 and over – 50-yard freestyle

Bryce Johnson – 13/14 age group – 100-yard backstroke

Dominic Tatangelo – 11/12 age group – 200-yard backstroke, 400-yard individual medley

Sierra Tatangelo – 9/10 age group – 200-yard backstroke, 1000-yard freestyle, 1650-yard freestyle

Report compiled by Daily News sports editor Sean Chase.

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