Pictured are some of the swimmers who helped Butler’s YMCA swim teams shine at the recent district championship meet. They include, front row and left to right: Rachel Karwoski, Ashlyn Vance, Aynsley Shipe, Garrett Kaiser, Ian Walewski; back row: Rachel Smith, Coach Corrie Jones, Josh McClymonds, Coach Troy Kroll, Brady Bleicher, Adrian Lavorini, Harry Bliss, Asher Kimmell, Simon Bianchin, Jacob Ruediger, Coach Frank Cicco, Easton Raible, McCale Buser, Hudson Bliss, Ryan Karwoski and Official Mike Walewski. Submitted Photo

The Butler Barracudas swim team recently turned in a strong showing at the 2026 Pa. YMCA West District Meet, held at the SPIRE Institute in Geneva, Ohio.

The event, which included 29 teams, was divided into four age groups for boys and girls. The boys placed first while the girls finished sixth. Swimmers that took first place in individual and relay events were Harry Bliss, McCale Buser, Garrett Kaiser, Titus Murray, Jaxson Kuchta, Adrian Lavorini, Ben Mason, Easton Raible, Aynsley Shipe, Ian Walewski and Landon Zdilla.

Twenty-five Barracudas have qualified for the state championship meet, scheduled Friday through Sunday at West Virginia University. The entire team includes 68 swimmers from a number of local school districts: Butler, Knoch, Mars, Slippery Rock, Seneca Valley, Freeport, Karns City and Union.