The 2024-25 Northern Lights YMCA swim team’s state qualifiers. Back from left, Sierra Tatangelo, Dominic Tatangelo, Cira Windell, Allison Deuter, Bryce Johnson, Tucker WIlliams, Ella Murphy, Annika Gustafson, Lucy Krznarich and Catherine Majors; front from left, Kelsey Stanek, Greyson Williams, Izzy Peters, Forest Koprowski, Claire DeRidder, Elliana Williams, James Carlson, George Fornetti, Miriam Gustafson and Jack Krznarich. (Photo courtesy of Cutting Edge Photography)

BROWN DEER, Wis. — The Northern Lights YMCA swim team made waves at the Wisconsin-Upper Michigan YMCA State Championship located in Brown Deer, Wis., just outside of Milwaukee with 20 Dickinson Center swimmers competing at an elite level. Led by Coach Aimee Tatangelo, the team faced tough competition in a larger-scale meet than they are accustomed to, yet they delivered outstanding performances, bringing home medals, trophies, and numerous personal bests.

Miriam Gustafson, 8, had a standout swim, dropping over two seconds in the 25-yard backstroke to secure a third-place finish. The female 8-year-old freestyle relay team–comprising Claire DeRidder, Miriam Gustafson, Izzy Peters, and Delta teammate Symphony Eason–improved their time by more than five seconds to earn a trophy.

Bryce Johnson, 14, delivered a season-best performance in the 200-yard backstroke, breaking a YMCA team record and claiming third place overall. Six-year-old Jack Krznarich impressed in multiple events, finishing in the top eight in the 50-yard freestyle, 25-yard backstroke, and 50-yard backstroke to bring home medals. Catherine Majors, 9, placed eighth in the 50-yard butterfly.

Ella Murphy, 11, had a phenomenal meet, achieving personal bests in every event she swam. She earned medals in both the 50-yard butterfly and 50-yard freestyle while also securing a state-qualifying time for next year’s championship.

Sierra Tatangelo, 10, thrived under the pressure, dropping time in all her events and medaling in both the 50-yard freestyle and 200-yard freestyle.

Dominic Tatangelo, 12, dominated the butterfly events, medaling in the 100-yard butterfly and contributing to a fifth-place finish in the boys’ 200-yard medley relay. He also led the boys’ 200-yard freestyle relay–alongside Delta teammates Levi Young, Jansen VanWormer, and Andon Norkoli–to a sixth-place finish.

Greyson Williams, 8, wrapped up his season in impressive fashion, recording personal bests in every event he swam.

He placed in the top ten in the 50-yard freestyle, 25-yard backstroke, 25-yard freestyle, 50-yard backstroke, 25-yard butterfly, and 25-yard backstroke. Had he not maxed out on individual events, he likely would have brought home even more medals.

A major highlight of the meet came from Tucker Williams, 14, who shaved over a second off his 50-yard freestyle time to secure a third-place finish. He had an exceptional meet, improving in every race and earning a medal or trophy in each event.

Williams displayed incredible versatility, setting a team record in the grueling 1000-yard freestyle before achieving a personal best in the 50-yard freestyle sprint.

Cira Windell, 12, also had a remarkable showing, delivering her best breaststroke performance of the season. She dropped over four seconds in the 100-yard breaststroke and placed in the top eight to medal in the 50-yard breaststroke.

The Northern Lights YMCA swimmers showcased their talent, determination, and teamwork, proving they can compete with the best. With numerous personal records and state-qualifying times, the future looks bright for this dedicated group of athletes.