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(L-R) Joining Mariners Coach Evan Kavanagh are new NJ YMCA 8 & Under Relay Champions Harry Releford age 8 of Florham Park, Noah Gad Sotomayor age 8 of Chatham, Owen Shearman age 7 of Madison, and Zachary Snyder age 8 of Madison.

February 20, 2024 (Madison, NJ)- History was made at the Jersey Aquatic Center on Saturday, February 10 during the 2024 NJ YMCA 8 & Under Championships. A young and talented team of swimmers from the Madison Area YMCA shattered a 20-year-old record, setting a new benchmark in the highly competitive event.

The team, consisting of Harry Releford, Noah Gad Sotomayor, Owen Shearman, and Zachary Snyder, delivered an outstanding performance in the Male 8 & Under 100 Medley Relay event. Zachary Snyder led the team by swimming the first leg, Noah Gad Sotomayor the second, Owen Shearman the third, and Harry Releford swam the fourth leg. Their combined efforts culminated in a remarkable time of 1:20.81, surpassing the previous record of 1:22.56 set on February 2, 2003, by Matthew Gilbert, Steven Johe, Thomas McShane, and Thomas Stephan. It is with a heavy heart that we remember Steven Johe, a member of the previous record-holding team, who has since passed away.

“The breaking of this two-decade-old record highlights the dedication, hard work, and talent within the Madison Area YMCA's competitive teams,” said Madison Area YMCA Head Coach of Competitive Aquatics Colin Kostyak. “It also highlights the elevated level of training and commitment from both the swimmers and their coaches. Congratulations to our young Mariners athletes!”

In anticipation of discovering more young talented athletes, the Madison Area YMCA is excited to announce that tryouts for several of our competitive teams are now open. We welcome aspiring athletes to join the Mariners Swim Team, Rosettes Gymnastics Team, Lady Gators Basketball Team, U11 Travel Basketball Team, and the Royals and Lady Royals Soccer Teams. This is a unique opportunity for young individuals to become part of a tradition of excellence and to develop their skills in a supportive and competitive environment.

For more information on tryouts and to become a part of our competitive teams, please visit the Madison Area YMCA website. Join us in making history and setting new records, while valuing honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility!