Penn State Behrend Wins First-Ever SUNYAC Championship

A swimming program that had never won the conference title just made history in spectacular fashion.

Penn State Behrend's men's swimming and diving team claimed their first State University of New York Athletic Conference championship at a four-day meet in Buffalo, New York. They crushed defending champion Cortland by 117 points, turning years of near-misses into a decisive victory.

Sophomore Isaac Stoeckle from Pittsburgh became the star of the meet, setting a team record in the 100 backstroke with a time of 48.20 seconds. His performance earned him both the event win and Outstanding Swimmer of the Meet honors, cementing his place in program history.

The Lions dominated across multiple events. Senior Will Perham from Upper St. Clair took the 200 breaststroke in 2:04.51, while junior Glenn Fowkes from Vandergrift won the 200 backstroke in 1:51.62. Senior Anthony Tumino from Hershey sprinted to victory in the 100 freestyle, touching the wall at 45.85 seconds.

The women's team also made waves, finishing second overall. Junior Camryn Watters from Greensburg swept both backstroke events, winning the 200 in 2:04.21 and the 100 in 56.69. Freshman Kaitlyn True from Denton, Texas, showed incredible endurance by winning the grueling 1,650 freestyle in 18:01.12, while senior Jadyn Danylko from Erie captured the 100 butterfly in 59.03.

The Ripple Effect

This championship represents more than medals and trophies. For a program competing against established powerhouses, this win proves that dedication and teamwork can topple even the toughest competition. The team's success energizes the entire Behrend athletic community and shows younger swimmers what's possible when they commit to excellence.

Coach and teammates have built something special, transforming a program into champions through countless early morning practices and unwavering support for one another. That 117-point margin of victory wasn't just about individual talent but about a team that believed they belonged at the top.

The Lions now carry the weight of expectation, but they've proven they can handle the pressure and deliver when it matters most.