CNS Swimming & Diving: A Week of Triumphs

Last week was a week to remember for the Cicero-North Syracuse (CNS) swim team as they delivered one of their most impressive performances in recent memory at the Section 3 Class A Championships and State Qualifier. With a series of standout performances, CNS swimmers not only dominated several of the swim events, but secured a State qualifier with Sophia Sugrue in the upcoming state meet showing just how deep the talent pool runs in the program. Here's a breakdown of the unforgettable moments from this action-packed weekend.
Cassidy Payrot Leads the Charge: 100 Backstroke Champion!
The spotlight was on senior Cassidy Payrot, who proved why she's one of the most dominant backstrokers in the area. With a brilliant swim in the 100-yard backstroke, Cassidy powered to the top of the podium, capturing the Section 3 title with a winning time of 1:02.76. Her relentless drive and sharp technique were on full display as she surged ahead in the final stretch, securing a well-earned victory. This performance marked Cassidy's second major triumph of the weekend, adding to her already impressive résumé.
Relay Action: CNS Shines in Team Events at State Qualifier:
The CNS relay teams also showcased their depth, making waves with multiple strong finishes. The quartet of Leah Benedict, Cassidy Payrot, Molly Gucciardi, and Katelyn Stewart brought their A-game to the 200 free relay finals, taking 6th place overall with a season-best time of 1:48.12. Each swimmer contributed a vital leg, and the team's cohesiveness was on full display as they surged to a competitive finish.
Not to be outdone, the same group of swimmers—Payrot, Gucciardi, Benedict, and Stewart—also swam to a 4th place finish in the 200 medley relay, posting a season-best time of 1:58.42. Their collective effort earned them a spot on the podium and left fans eagerly anticipating the team's next move.
Leah Benedict: A Standout in Multiple Events
Leah Benedict was another standout performer at the Section 3 State Qualifier, capping off an exceptional week with some impressive results across multiple events. In the 200 IM, Leah swam to an impressive 2nd place finish. In the Class A meet 100 freestyle finals, Benedict fought hard to finish as the runner-up, posting a time of 56.12. But perhaps the most exciting moment for Benedict came when she earned the title of Class A Section 3 Champion in the 200 IM with a blistering personal best of 2:19.43, demonstrating her versatility and unmatched determination.

Molly Gucciardi and Katelyn Stewart: Strong Performances Across the Board
Molly Gucciardi and Katelyn Stewart were key contributors to the team's success, with both swimmers making it to the finals in individual events. Gucciardi had a stellar performance in the 200 IM, setting a season-best time of 2:28.20 to take 6th place overall. Meanwhile, Stewart earned recognition in the 100 butterfly, placing 7th, while Gucciardi also placed 6th in the same event.
Both swimmers were essential in their relay team's success, helping CNS clinch top finishes and secure spots in the finals.
Sophia Sugrue's Historic Performance in Diving
The CNS winning diving tradition also made its presence felt at the Section 3 State Qualifier, with Sophia Sugrue turning in a stellar performance. She finished 5th overall in the 1-meter diving competition, earning a state meet qualifying score in the process. Sugrue's outstanding dives were a testament to her skill and preparation, and she'll be a diver to watch in the coming state championship.
CNS is Section 3's 200 Medley Relay Champion
The crowning achievement of the weekend came in the 200 medley relay, where the CNS team of Cassidy Payrot, Molly Gucciardi, Leah Benedict, and Katelyn Stewart swam to a dominant Section 3 Class A Championship victory. With a time of 1:58.10, the relay team demonstrated not just skill but heart, powering through each leg to secure the win and earn the title of Section 3 Champions.
Looking Ahead: Whats on the horizon
With so many top-tier performances, CNS swimmers and divers are more than ready for the future. From Payrot's championship-winning backstroke to Benedict's dominance in the IM and the relay team's solid showings, with a new aquatics complex in the works, CNS is primed and poised to become a dominant force in NYS high school Swimming and Diving.
Congratulations to all the CNS athletes—Cassidy Payrot, Leah Benedict, Molly Gucciardi, Katelyn Stewart, Sophia Sugrue, Brigid Gill, Addison Vavra, Sydney Arrao, Maya Ranieri, Ava Lawrence, Delanie Green, Mallory Coyle, Liyah Williams, and Bella Petralia —for their incredible performances and for representing the team with such pride and determination. The best is yet to come!
Go CNS!

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CNS Swimming & Diving: A Week of Triumphs

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