Cooperstown/Cherry Valley Boys Varsity Swimming & Diving Capture Second Section Title in Three Years

COOPERSTOWN—The Cooperstown/Cherry Valley Boys Varsity Swimming and Diving team has once again made waves on the Section III stage, capturing its second sectional championship title in three years at the NYSPHSAA Section III Swimming and Diving Championships.

Competing Tuesday evening at Nottingham High School in Syracuse, the Hawkeyes delivered a commanding performance to claim first place in the Class C division. Cooperstown outpaced Oneida, Weedsport, Skaneateles, Lowville, Sherburne-Earlville, and Holland Patent to secure the championship honors.

The depth and determination of the team were on full display throughout the meet. Cooperstown entered four swimmers in nearly all eight individual events and fielded two relay teams in each of the three relay events, totaling 36 individual and relay entries. Of those swims, an impressive 23—64 percent—were personal best times, with three additional season-best performances recorded.

Several standout swims highlighted the evening:

• Micah Raffo posted a 13.35-second personal record in the 200 Individual Medley.
  
  

• Thomas Hellenthal turned in a 21.74 in the 50 Free and a 51.9 in the 100 Backstroke.
  
  

• Macon Aramini clocked a strong 5:16.27 in the 500 Free.
  
  

• Henry Ayers recorded a 1:05.47 in the 100 Breaststroke.
  
  

Hellenthal’s outstanding performance earned him Swimmer of the Meet honors, while Coach John was recognized as Coach of the Year, a testament to the leadership and preparation that fueled the team’s success.

This championship effort reflects not only individual excellence but also the collective strength of the entire roster:

Paxton Hazzard, Emmett Ayers, Lachlan Morgan, Colton Kinley, Micah Raffo, Evan Price, Hu Agostino, Henry Ayers, Emerson Hall, Shepard Olsen, Eleanor Walker, Hayden Spencer, Macon Aramini, Hunter Kinley, Theo Feury, Brendan Heavner, Thomas Hellenthal, and London Kinley.

The team also extends sincere appreciation to Arya Patel, whose dedication and organization as Team Manager played an invaluable role throughout the season.

Congratulations to the entire Cooperstown/Cherry Valley Boys Varsity Swimming and Diving team on an exceptional championship season and a well-earned Section III title.