Central York swimmer kicks off final state meet with a personal best and a medal
Christian Henry of Central York can cross another item off his bucket list.
His goal of earning an individual state medal was achieved when he placed sixth in the 200 individual medley (1:53.61) during the PIAA Class 3A swimming and diving championships Wednesday at Bucknell University’s Kinney Natatorium.
“This is my last meet as a high school swimmer, so I really wanted to do well,” he said.
Henry swam beside the 2023 champion, Jake Wang of Conestoga in District One, in both the preliminaries and the finals. Wang defended his title with a blistering 1:44.20.
“I was right beside him, so I was just trying to stay as close as possible to him. I know he’s one of the best in the state, obviously, so I knew if I stayed with him, I’d have a good race. It’s always good to have someone in front of you, pushing you.
“I’m happy with that time, I got a personal best by about .5, and I got a medal, which was the goal, so that was another goal achieved for me.”
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He will compete in the 100 breaststroke on Thursday.
“I’m obviously trying to get into the ‘A’ final in that, and I’m not that far off,” he said. “I’m seeded 10th so I just have to move up two places to get there. This race really gives me confidence for that. My breaststroke in the IM is my strong card, and I did well today so I’m hopeful for (Thursday).”
He will continue his swim career at West Chester.
Other YAIAA finishers
Other area finishers for the boys in the first day of competition included Owen Cromer of South Western, who won the consolation heat of the 50 freestyle to finish ninth (20.93). Spencer Wineholt, Cromer, Joseph Carter and Sean Filipovits were 27th in the 200 freestle relay (1:28.84).
Elijah Henning of Spring Grove made the final cut in diving, placing 13th (363.15 points).
The Central York 200 medley relay of Nick Snyder, Christian Henry, Evan Dame and Carter Hendershot was 17th (1:37.09).
For the girls, Dallastown’s Julia Havice was the winner of the ‘B’ final in the 50 freestyle (23.81).
This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: PIAA state swimming: Central York's Christian Henry medals in 200 IM
