The District III swim meet wrapped up the season for the Dallastown boys swim team, falling short of their goals.

Despite as strong showing in the league where the Wildcats ended 5-1, their finish at districts reflected a season that was filled with ups and downs.

The boys were able to send multiple swimmers who led the team to their dominant record to districts: Ethan Spangler, Arijah Anderson, Ezriah Anderson, Charley Barlow, Jackson Kopp, Jackson Allen and AJ Romyn.

There were not many best times at the meet, and this made it difficult to place where it was necessary. The three relays missed states by very small margins. Lastly, a couple of swimmers had injuries but still participated in races, which further complicated matters. 

One of the main highlights was senior Arijah Anderson making states in the 100 backstroke.

“ I think I did pretty good overall,” Anderson said, “but I know I could’ve been better in parts of the relay.”

While he was happy to have made it in his individual event, he was extremely disappointed that no relay made it to states, with multiple relays just barely missing the cut off.

Senior Ethan Spangler said that the meet was, at times, “frustrating.”

“I think the readiness was there, it just never showed,” Spangler said.

Senior Jackson Kopp offered a similar take, stating that “no one swam perfect, we all put in our best effort, we just weren’t there.”

All team members seemed to offer the same take: while it was a positive season, the team came up short at districts of qualifying for states when  it mattered most.

Coach Gina McHenry understood the frustration, but was still proud of the season. 

“I’m so proud of the work my swimmers have put in, despite the unfortunate places at districts it was still a terrific season and I can’t wait to see whats in the cards next season.”