Eli Dobbs from SOTA achieves personal best time in 100-yard backstroke at New York State Swimming Championships

Ithaca, New York – With determination and speed, Eli Dobbs made a splash at the New York State Swimming Championships this past weekend, representing the RCSD’s United Swim team on one of the biggest stages in high school swimming.

The School of the Arts junior competed in the 100-yard backstroke at Ithaca College, securing a personal best time of 59.21 seconds. His strong performance earned him 14th place out of a competitive field of 51 swimmers, marking a significant milestone in his athletic career. Racing against some of the state’s top talent, Dobbs demonstrated both skill and perseverance, shaving crucial time off his previous best.

Read also: Apple Cinema is set to open a brand-new location at The Mall at Greece Ridge, offering an upgraded moviegoing experience with cutting-edge features

Dobbs’ impressive finish highlights a successful season for the RCSD swim program, which has seen both boys and girls achieve remarkable results. In November, standout swimmer Natalia Sierra-Wardlow represented the girls’ team at the NYS Championship in Webster, also competing in the 100-yard backstroke. The continued presence of RCSD swimmers at the state level speaks to the hard work and dedication of both the athletes and coaching staff.

Coach Mike McNelis praised the team’s dedication and hard work throughout the season. “It was a strong season for both boys and girls teams,” he noted, emphasizing the continuous progress made by the athletes. He also pointed out that the team’s improvement has been evident not just in state-level meets, but in every competition leading up to the championships.

Read also: Authorities launch investigation into tragic residential fire that claimed a life in the Town of Brownville

Dobbs’ achievement is a testament to his commitment to the sport, and his improvement throughout the season has not gone unnoticed. Competing at the state level is a prestigious opportunity, and setting a personal best on such a grand stage is a moment to celebrate. His performance is an inspiration to his teammates and a sign of even greater things to come in his swimming career.

The RCSD community and supporters are thrilled with Dobbs’ success and look forward to seeing what the future holds for him and the swim program. With another year of high school competition ahead, Dobbs will have more chances to build on his success and push himself to even greater achievements in the pool.