Auburn junior named Swimmer of the Year

The Auburn boys swim team placed third in the Section III championships on Saturday, scoring just 38 points fewer than first-place Jamesville-Dewitt/Christian Brothers Academy. West Genesee came in second. Weedsport placed ninth overall out of 29 teams that competed in sectionals, which began on Thursday at Nottingham High School.

Auburn junior Pat O'Donovan earned Swimmer of the Year honors after winning two events -- the 100 freestyle and the 100 backstroke. O'Donovan earned a new Section III record in the 100 backstroke and he will be one of four Maroons that will move on to the NYSPHSAA championships in the Nassau County Aquatic Center in Long Island from Feb. 29 to March 1.

Senior co-captains Sean McNamara and Preston Chafee will also attend, as will sophomore Lucas Zelehowsky. The four will compete in six swimming events overall, including the 200 medley relay and the 400 freestyle relay, which they took first place in sectionals. McNamara also won the 50 freestyle and Zelehowsky earned first place in the 100 butterfly.