VESTAL, N.Y. – The Binghamton men’s swimming and diving team has struck gold again! For the second year in a row and the fourth time in its history, they clinched the America East championship at the VMI Aquatic Center. They managed to edge out UMBC, finishing with a score of 775 to 722.5. It was an exciting final day that showcased the team’s strength and depth.
This win puts the men’s team among an elite group in Binghamton history. Since joining America East in 2001, only two other teams have achieved four or more conference titles. The men’s tennis team holds the record with ten titles from 2003 to 2014, while the baseball team has also won four. The Binghamton men’s swimming and diving team previously triumphed in 2003 and 2021.
After trailing behind UMBC for the first part of the competition, Binghamton managed to claw back to just 1.5 points behind by Friday evening. The final day saw tenacity pay off, as the Bearcats recorded four medalists and twelve top-eight finishes, solidifying their lead.
The women’s team placed fifth among seven teams, showcasing their talent with five top-eight finishes on Saturday. Although they didn’t capture any medals, they closed the gap to just 12 points behind UMBC for fourth place.
Head coach Jerry Cummiskey praised both teams for their effort. The men were well aware that they were up against a strong diving team, but as the competition progressed, they found their stride. The women’s team faced tougher competition this year but swam impressively nonetheless.
Highlighting the achievements, graduate student Jake Vecchio and freshmen Evan Peters and Jackson Kennard had standout performances. Vecchio finished second in the 200 butterfly, Peters in the 200 backstroke, and Kennard in the 200 breaststroke.
Peters also had an impressive meet, finishing first in the 200 freestyle and second in the 500 freestyle earlier in the competition. Vecchio and fellow graduate student Sandon Karinsky were the only Bearcats who have been part of all three championship teams since 2021.
In addition to their strong performances, the men’s team saw junior Liam Preston recognized with the America East’s Elite 18 Award, celebrating his academic and athletic achievements during the championships. This award has been presented to three Binghamton men’s swimmers over the last five years.
While the men led, the women had some strong finishes as well, particularly in the 200 breaststroke. Senior Lauren Kuzma took fourth, with Courtney Moane and Fayanne Smith-Salzberg following closely behind in sixth and eighth places, respectively.
Junior Maria Pignatelli also had a solid performance, finishing fifth in the 100 freestyle, and sophomore Haley Nowak achieved eighth in the 200 butterfly.
New Hampshire took the women’s championship, marking their second title in three years. Both teams received Coaching Staff of the Year honors for their outstanding performance this season. Coach Cummiskey was joined by his staff, who all played a vital role during the competition.
In total, Binghamton’s men’s team earned eleven all-conference selections, including six freshmen. On the women’s side, Fayanne Smith-Salzberg was recognized as the sole honoree.
Overall, this championship confirms Binghamton’s strength in swimming and diving, setting the stage for continued success in future seasons.
Top Men’s Finishers – Day Four
- Evan Peters, 2nd, 200 back (1:46.90)
- Jake Vecchio, 2nd, 200 fly (1:47.52)
- Jackson Kennard, 2nd, 200 breast (1:59.72)
- Amir Sadykov, 3rd, 200 breast (2:00.29)
- Liam Preston, 4th, 200 back (1:48.61)
- Harrison Lambert, 4th, 1,650 free (15:35.85)
- Finnegan McFarland, 5th, 1,650 free (15:35.85)
- Tyler Schultz, 8th, 200 breast (2:03.05)
Top Women’s Finishers – Day Four
- Lauren Kuzma, 4th, 200 breast (2:17.50)
- Maria Pignatelli, 5th, 100 free (50.86)
- Courtney Moane, 6th, 200 breast (2:18.74)
- Fayanne Smith-Salzberg, 8th, 200 breast (2:20.69)
- Haley Nowak, 8th, 200 fly (2:05.76)
Binghamton Men’s All-Conference (11)
- Elijah Lanfear
- Liam Preston
- William Deutmeyer
- Evan Peters
- Cameron Stetzer
- Harrison Lambert
- Max Kaback
- Jackson Kennard
- Tyler Schultz
- Jake Vecchio
- Amir Sadykov
Women’s All-Conference (1)
- Fayanne Smith-Salzberg
