CANTON — The Canton Golden Bears swimming team had a successful weekend at the New York State Girls Swimming Championships, earning three top 10 podium finishes, including two State Championships and an 8th place finish.

The team also celebrated a 16th-place individual finish and a top-20 relay finish—achieving a Section X record. To cap it all off, Gretchen Braun was named New York State Swimmer of the Meet.

Team Highlights:

• Gretchen Braun: First place in the 100 Freestyle with a time of 50.52 (All-American Consideration, Section X Record). First place in the 100 Backstroke with a time of 53.69 (All-American Automatic, Section X Record). Named a NY State Scholar-Athlete
• Kaitlyn Redfern: Eighth place in the 200 IM with a time of 2:09.48. 16th place in the 100 Breaststroke with a time of 1:07.87.
• 400 Free Relay Team: 20th place finish with a time of 3:45.10, setting a new Section X Record. Team members included Kaitlyn Redfern, Lexi Stuntz, Tessa Alguire, and Gretchen Braun.
• Lexi Stuntz: Named a NY State Scholar-Athlete. Awarded the NYSPHSAA Sportsmanship Award (One awarded per section)

Coached by Meg McGovern and Conrad Stuntz, the Canton Golden Bears finished 15th overall in the NYS Federation standings, showcasing their talent and hard work on the state’s biggest stage. This was the highest finish ever by a Section X swim team at the state meet.

Coach Conrad Stuntz said, “What a phenomenal meet by our athletes. Their determination and dedication have paid off in a big way. Congratulations to Gretchen Braun for being named NYS Swimmer of the Meet and to the entire team for representing Canton with such pride and excellence.”

The Canton community welcomed home the swimmers on Saturday night with a police and fire truck escort and reception with students, teachers, parents, and former students in front of the new pool at Canton High School.  

Bears State Team Roster: Tessa Alguire (Junior - 200 Medley Relay, 200 Free Relay, 400 Free Relay; Skyler Sanderson (Senior - 200 Medley Relay, 200 Free Relay); Lexi Stuntz (Senior - 200 Medley Relay, 500 Freestyle, 100 Backstroke, 400 Free Relay); Maeve Murphy (Freshman - 200 Medley Relay, 200 Free Relay); Kaitlyn Redfern (Sophomore - 200 Individual Medley, 200 Free Relay, 100 Breastroke, 400 Free Relay); Gretchen Braun (Senior - 100 Freestyle, 200 Free Relay, 100 Backstroke, 400 Free Relay).