Local Youth Swimmers Earn National Recognition at State Games of America

The Small Aquatic League of Texas (SALT) proudly represented the Lone Star State at the 2026 State Games of America in State College, Pennsylvania, sending a team of 21 swimmers to compete against the nation’s best amateur athletes. Swimmers from all 50 states gathered for one of the country’s premier amateur sporting events, making the competition one of the toughest many of these young athletes have ever faced.

The Team Texas proudly marched into the Opening Ceremonies at Penn State University’s Barbara Jordan Arena alongside athletes from every state. For many of the SALT swimmers, it was their first opportunity to represent Texas on a national stage, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

The team returned home with an impressive showing. 17 of the 21 SALT swimmers earned qualification for the 2028 State Games of America in Colorado Springs, Colorado, by placing first, second, or third in their events. In addition to the qualifying performances, many swimmers earned Top 10 finishes while competing against the finest amateur swimmers from across the nation.

The 15-16 Girls relay team of CC Bartek, Makenna Emmel, Lyria Hartley, and Adysen Janacek earned two trips to the podium, capturing 2nd place in the 200-yard Medley Relay (2:20.91) and 3rd place in the 200-yard Freestyle Relay (2:02.52).

The 13-14 Boys relay team of Harlo Mankin, Stratton Masek, Garrison Ulrich, and Andy Wyatt also had an outstanding meet, finishing 2nd in the 200-yard Medley Relay (2:07.97) and 3rd in the 200-yard Freestyle Relay (1:52.04).

The 11-12 Girls relay team of Eleanor Schmidt, Adalyn Emmel, Olivia Kerr, and Olive Vasquez earned 2nd place in the 200-yard Medley Relay (2:32.11) and 3rd place in the 200-yard Freestyle Relay (2:37.19).

The 11-12 Boys relay team of David Collins, Daniel Hromadka, Everett Kubenka, and Tyler Wyatt finished 3rd in the 200-yard Medley Relay (2:45.28).

The 13-14 Girls relay team of Savannah DeMers, Hannah Garza, Kallie Louden, and Lara Hermes added two more Top 10 finishes with 5th place in the 200-yard Medley Relay (2:33.56) and 6th place in the 200-yard Freestyle Relay (2:09.20).

Individual Top 10 Finishes

Adysen Janacek led the 15-16 girls with an outstanding performance, earning qualification for the 2028 State Games of America with a 3rd-place finish in the 50yard Breaststroke (36.26). She also finished 4th in the 100yard Breaststroke (1:23.14), 6th in the 200-yard Individual Medley (2:56.27), and 7th in the 50-yard Freestyle (28.33).

Hannah Garza also qualified for the 2028 State Games of America, winning the State Games of America Championship in the 50-meter Backstroke with a time of 48.21. She added another podium finish with 3rd place in the 200-meter Freestyle (3:21.22) and narrowly missed another medal by placing 4th in the 50-meter Butterfly (44.22).

CC Bartek finished 6th in the 100-yard Breaststroke (1:39.83) and 7th in the 50yard Breaststroke (43.10).

Makenna Emmel recorded four Top 10 finishes, placing 7th in the 50-yard Butterfly (33.24), 8th in the 100-yard Backstroke (1:17.90), 9th in the 50-yard Backstroke (35.64), and 10th in the 100yard Freestyle (1:07.55).

Lyria Hartley earned 8th place in the 50-yard Backstroke (35.34) and 9th place in the 100-yard Backstroke (1:20.42).

Savannah DeMers placed 8th in the 50-yard Backstroke (41.45).

Lara Hermes earned a 10th-place finish in the 50yard Breaststroke (44.78).

Adalyn Emmel continued her strong season with 6th place in the 50-yard Butterfly (34.44) and 7th place in the 50-yard Backstroke (35.61).

Stratton Masek placed 6th in the 50-yard Backstroke (32.45).

Andy Wyatt finished 8th in both the 100-yard Breaststroke (1:17.81) and 100-yard Backstroke (1:14.03).

David Collins placed 10th in the 100-yard Breaststroke (1:55.36).

Harlo Mankin rounded out the Top 10 finishers with a 10th-place finish in the 50yard Backstroke (38.47).

While medals and podium finishes highlighted the week, the experience extended far beyond the competition. Athletes and their families enjoyed meeting swimmers from across the United States, representing Texas with pride, and building friendships that will last a lifetime. The entire SALT team is already looking forward to continuing its journey at the 2028 State Games of America in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The SALT coaching staff is incredibly proud of every swimmer who represented the league with determination, sportsmanship, and class. Competing on the national stage is an accomplishment in itself, and the success of this team reflects the countless hours of dedication put in by the athletes, coaches, and families throughout the season.

The team extends its heartfelt appreciation to the communities and businesses throughout Fayette County whose generous support made this unforgettable experience possible. A very special thank you goes to Whataburger in La Grange for sponsoring the team’s T-shirts and for continually supporting these young athletes. SALT also extends its gratitude to the Weimar and Columbus swimming pools for allowing the team to train in preparation for national competition.

With 17 swimmers already qualified for the 2028 State Games of America, the future is bright for the Small Aquatic League of Texas. The team looks forward to once again representing Texas and showcasing the talent that continues to grow in rural communities across our state.