O’Mara salutes Waverly HS state swimming champions

Waverly, N.Y., June 12--State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) today visited the Waverly Central School District to pay tribute to the school’s state champion swimmers.

At a ceremony earlier today at Waverly High School, O’Mara presented an official Legislative Proclamation (J597) honoring the Boys Varsity 200-yard Freestyle Relay Team for capturing the state championship at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Swimming and Diving Championship meet in March at Ithaca College. Their winning time of 1:25.58 seconds is the second-fastest in Section 4 history, trailing only the state record holding team from Corning.

The Wolverines’ 200-yard Relay Team Members are: Jerrell Sackett, Ryan Clark, Liam Wright, and Oscar Williams. The team is coached by Josh Mastrantuono.  Sackett also received the "Sportsmanship Award" at the 2023 championships.

The proclamation was co-sponsored by State Assemblyman Chris Friend (R,C-Big Flats).

In a joint statement, O’Mara and Friend said, “This team and their state championship season has brought a great sense of pride, accomplishment, excitement, and success to their school, their families and friends, and to the Waverly community at large. It’s an inspiring testament to dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence.  We welcome and look forward to these opportunities to pay tribute to success throughout our school communities, and we’re proud to help celebrate their achievement.”

Varsity Swimming Coach Josh Mastrantuono said, “This relay team was focused from the first meet of the season. Their accomplishments not only earned them a State Title, but also established them as one of the greatest relay teams to ever swim in Section 4. During the season they broke four pool records in the area in the 200 Free Relay and two pool records in the 400 Free Relay. They also set a new IAC League Record in the 200 Free Relay, breaking the record they set 2022. As a relay team they were undefeated throughout the season with only one loss coming in the Sectional Final of the 200 Medley Relay. Their accomplishments not only earned them a State Title but also established them as one of the greatest relay teams to ever swim in Section 4.  As a team we could not be prouder to represent the town, community, and Waverly School District. Waverly has a strong history of athletics across many of its sports teams including the swimming program. Many individuals and teams go on to compete at the state level but only a very select few have ever won a State Championship. The accomplishments of these young men stand out in our small community. They are role models for the next generation of student-athletes to come through Waverly.”