The Auburn boys swim team placed third in Section III, Class A at the Nottingham High School pool on Thursday. Jamesville-Dewitt/Christian Brothers Academy repeated as Class A champs in the morning's preliminary round, but the Maroons look to defend their Section III title on Saturday, when the top 24 swimmers from Class A and Class B merge.

Auburn finished first in six of the 12 events, including both the 200 medley (1:31.01) and 400 freestyle relays (3:14.67). Swimming in both relays are Pat O'Donovan, Lucas Zelehowsky, Preston Chaffee and Sean McNamara - all of whom will be heading to the New York State Meet in Long Island Feb. 29 to March 1.

At least six Auburn swimmers will be competing in the finals on Saturday, pending results of Class B. McNamara won the 50 freestyle (21.74), while O'Donovan earned first in the 100 freestyle (47.56) and 100 backstroke (51.29). Zelehowsky finished first in both the 200 individual medley (1:56.23) and 100 butterfly (1:00.19).

In Class B, Weedsport came in second, behind powerhouse Mexico. Diver Kate Scarbrough won the class championship on the boards. Eight out of nine Warriors swimmers will advance to compete on Saturday, in 11 events.

Read the full report in Friday's edition of The Citizen.