The Genesee Community College Men and Women’s Swimming and Diving teams traveled to Monroe Community College this past weekend to compete in the Region 3 / Northeast District Championships. Both GCC teams preformed incredibly well and a season’s worth of hard work paid of for all team members. The Swimming Cougars shattered 5 school Records over the course of the meet. The Swimming Cougars were lead by Captains Josh Sullivan, Sarah Barr, and Bobbie Jo Passamonte who all turned in incredible performances.

The Women’s team finished second for the 3rd straight year. Captain Sarah Barr was a Regional Champion in the 50 free (25.38), the 100 Backstroke (1:01.90), and the 100 Freestyle (55.12). All 3 of Sarah’s swims were GCC School Records. Sarah’s time in the 100 Freestyle was also a Region 3/Northeast District Meet Record. This marks the first time a Cougar Swimmer has set a Meet record. For her 3 Individual Championships Barr was named Northeast District Swimmer of the Year for the second straight year. Barr finishes her Region 3 and Northeast District careers undefeated in every race she swam. Sarah was also named Region 3 Athlete of the Week on Wednesday. Barr also joined with Bobbie Jo Passamonte, Kaitlyn Adamczak, and Claire Vanderberg to win the 200 Medley Relay (finishing in a School record time). The same 4 young ladies also were second in the 400 Medley Relay and the 400 Free Relay; setting a School Record in that event. Claire Vanderberg added to her Medley Relay win with an individual win in the 200 Breaststroke. Vanderberg was named team Captain for next season by Coach Scott Hunsinger. Passamonte scored big points for the Lady Cougars by placing 3rd in the 500 Freestyle, the 400 IM, and the 1650 Freestyle. Adamczak placed strong with a 4th in the 500 Freestyle and 5th place finishes in the 400 IM and the 1650 freestyle. Also scoring for GCC was Abby Duerden, Rachel Johnson, Leslie Lyons, and Stephanie Mott. Coach Hunsinger was named Region 3 / Northeast District Women’s Swimming Coach of the year.

The Men’s team enjoyed a strong 5th place finish improving their finish from last season. Captain Josh Sullivan finished strong with a 3rd place finish in the 500 freestyle, 5th place in the 400 IM, and 3rd in the 200 Breaststroke. Sullivan joined with Mike Hoerbelt, Ricardo Jimenez and Dustin Shepard to qualify for the National Meet in the 200 Freestyle Relay (5th), 200 Medley Relay (5th), 400 Medley Relay (4th), and the 400 Freestyle Relay (5th). Jimenez scored big points for the Cougars placing 6th in the 100 Breaststroke and 4th in the 200 Breaststroke. Freshman Dustin Shepard was named team Captain for next finish following his great swims in the 50 Freestyle (8th), the 200 Freestyle (6th), and the 100 Freestyle (6th).

Both teams now prepare for the NJCAA National Championships in Buffalo on March 4 – 7th.