More Than Medals: Wilton Y Wahoos Show What a Community Swim Team Can Achieve

In an era when youth sports are increasingly measured by rankings, records and recruiting opportunities, the Wilton Family YMCA Wahoos reminded us this summer that excellence is still built the old-fashioned way: through dedication, teamwork, and a commitment to something larger than oneself.

At the Long Course YMCA National Swimming Championships July 28-August 1 in Ocala, Florida, the Wahoos delivered a performance that deserves celebration across the entire Wilton community. The team finished 7th overall out of more than 50 total teams, its highest national finish since 2017, cementing the program’s place among the nation’s elite YMCA swim teams.

The achievement becomes even more impressive when viewed through the lens of team depth. The Wilton men placed 5th overall, while the women finished 7th, a testament to the strength that exists throughout the program.

This was not the result of a handful of standout performances. All 17 athletes contributed to the team success by points, supporting teammates, and rising to the occasion on one of youth swimming’s biggest stages. As a team, the Wahoos combined for 47 total scoring finals swims. Of these swims, 17 of them were top 10 in the United States. On the Men’s side Evan VanVelzor placed in the top 10 in all five of his individual events, Hirsh Iyer finished with three top-10 places, and Ozzy Andrews earned 3 top-10 finishes as well. For the women, Vedha Kongettira earned 3 top-10 finishes and Maryn Brooks claimed 2 top-10 finishes.

Beyond the individual accolades, the Wilton Y Wahoos Relays stood out, with 11 of the 12 total relays placing in the top 12 nationally, proving once again the depth of the Wahoos swim program and the power of cooperation and teamwork.

Behind every national finalist are countless early morning practices, long weekends at meets, and sacrifices made by athletes and families alike. Coaches spend years nurturing talent. Parents volunteer, travel, and cheer. Teammates push one another every day in practice. A national result such as this represents the cumulative effort of an entire community.

For Wilton, the message is clear: the Wahoos are not merely participating at the national level. They are contending with the nation’s best.

Congratulations to those that upheld the WAHOOS Way throughout competition:

Ozzy Andrews, Maryn brooks, Wynton Buerstetta, Lucas Fontana, Henry Gimby, Abigail Horton, Hirsh Iyer, Sam Jacobson, Gretchen Janney, David Kavasansky, Vedha Kongettira, Gabe Konopka, Maya Kreuzer, Megan Lussier, Andrew Mims, Christian Sanchez, Evan VanVelzor.

Noteworthy Records:

     Men’s 400 Freestyle Relay- Team & CT 17/18 Resident Record (Christian Sanchez, Evan VanVelzor, Ozzy Andrews, Hirsh Iyer)

Men’s 200 Medley Relay- Team Record (Evan VanVelzor/Sam Jacobson/Christian Sanchez/Hirsh Iyer) 

     Men’s 800 Freestyle Relay- CT 17/18 Resident Record (Christian Sanchez, Hirsh Iyer, Ozzy Andrews, Evan VanVelzor)

     Men’s 400 Medley Relay- CT 17/18 Resident Record (Ozzy Andrews, Sam Jacobson, Evan VanVelzor, Hirsh Iyer)

For more information about the Wilton Y Wahoos, contact Eric Holden, Director of Wahoos Swim Team, at eholden@riverbrookymca.org, or visit www.WYWahoos.org.