2025 Citrus County Swim & Dive Invitational: Records, Rivalries, and Community Spirit

The 2025 Citrus County Swim & Dive Invitational, held Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Citrus Memorial Health Foundation YMCA in Lecanto, once again proved why this meet is one of the highlights of the local sports calendar. Hosted by Crystal River High School, the Invitational brought together eight high school swim and dive teams from Citrus and Hernando Counties. More than 140 student-athletes competed, filling nearly 300 entries in the lanes and on the boards, creating an electric atmosphere that celebrated not only athletic excellence but also community collaboration and pride.

The day opened with a moment of unity as Crystal River High School senior Madison Boase delivered a strong, heartfelt performance of the National Anthem. Her voice set a tone of pride and togetherness, reminding everyone that while teams would fiercely compete in the water, they stood as one community.

The field featured Citrus, Crystal River, and Lecanto High Schools representing Citrus County, joined by Central, Hernando, Nature Coast, Springstead, and Weeki Wachee High Schools from Hernando County. Together, these programs showcased the very best of the region’s swimming and diving talent—athletes capable of making waves at the state level.

Crystal River Makes History

For host Crystal River High School (CRIV), the meet started with fireworks. The girls’ 200-yard medley relay team—Lucy Schroeder, Morgan Gibson, Lia Richards, and Jocelyn Daugherty—touched first in a blistering 1:57.61. The time didn’t just win the event; it shattered the school record by nearly two seconds. The celebration on deck set the tone for the Pirates’ strong showing throughout the day.

Individual highlights quickly followed. Morgan Gibson captured the girls’ 200 individual medley in commanding fashion (2:14.24). Teammate Lia Richards powered through the 100 butterfly, winning in 1:02.14. On the diving boards, Olivia Byron impressed with consistency and poise, scoring 255.95 to secure first place.

Although the Pirate girls came up just five points short of Lecanto in the overall standings, their record-breaking relay and across-the-board success underscored the program’s depth and talent. Both Pirate squads finished runner-up overall, a testament to their balance and competitive edge.

Lecanto’s Stars Shine Bright

If Crystal River set the pace early, Lecanto High School (LECA) stole the spotlight by meet’s end. Panther standout Noah Walker delivered one of the most remarkable performances Citrus County swimming has ever seen. He swept three individual titles—the boys’ 200 free (1:42.48), 100 breaststroke (57.14), and 100 free (46.81 leading off the 400 free relay)—and in doing so broke Lecanto and all-county records in each event. His swims etched his name into the history books while igniting his teammates.

The Panthers also leaned on sprinter Brandon Thornton, who captured victories in the 50 free (22.94) and 100 fly (58.02). Their depth carried into the relays, with Lecanto taking first in the girls’ 200 free relay (1:47.12), boys’ 200 free relay (1:39.09), and girls’ 400 free relay (4:02.72). On the diving boards, Hagan Henson dominated with a top score of 399.25. Backed by Walker’s brilliance and all-around strength, Lecanto secured both team titles—181 points for the boys and 133 for the girls.

Citrus High Holds Its Own

Citrus High School (CHS) also made its mark. Sophomore Sophie Albert turned in gritty performances, finishing the 200 IM in 2:46.15 and the 100 fly in 1:09.61 against strong competition. Sprinter Michael Szumski posted a solid 25.97 in the 50 free and anchored key relays, helping the Hurricanes remain competitive.

CHS closed with 48 points for the boys and 36 for the girls. While behind their county rivals, the Hurricanes’ determined swims highlighted steady progress and growth.

The Final Tally

When the scores were tallied, Lecanto claimed both team championships, Crystal River secured runner-up finishes for both boys and girls, and Citrus rounded out the local schools with respectable totals. Yet the numbers told only part of the story. Beyond medals and records, the Invitational highlighted the extraordinary talent pipeline continuing to grow in Citrus County. Follow this link for full results: https://wp.me/a6nVOm-3dq

Community at the Core

The success of an event of this scale rests on more than just the athletes. Behind the scenes, over 30 volunteers, 12 coaches, and numerous staff members worked tirelessly. The Citrus County School District, District Athletic Director Robert Verlato, and the athletic directors from each participating school provided key support.

The YMCA’s aquatics supervisor Jordan Gangi and the Y staff ensured smooth operations, while officials Gary Saslo and Jessica Horn kept the competition fair. The Crystal River athletic department and administration served as the organizational backbone.

Special recognition goes to the Sun Coast Swim Team and its leaders—Nikki Rieck, Lori Lenior, and Mike Laycok—who sponsored timing equipment and touchpads and supplied volunteers to manage scoring and technical operations. Their efforts gave the meet a professional edge.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott Hebert attended the event, personally presenting medals and awards, underscoring the district’s commitment to student-athletes.

Meanwhile, the voice of the meet belonged to announcer Brian Hengesbach, a Citrus County school administrator, former Springstead Eagle, and NCAA Division II swimmer. His energy kept the atmosphere lively from start to finish.

Beyond the Pool

The Invitational was about more than stopwatches and scoreboards. It was a showcase of sportsmanship and camaraderie. Swimmers from rival schools cheered for one another, divers exchanged handshakes after close contests, and athletes celebrated personal bests together. In a sport often decided by tenths of a second, the Invitational reminded everyone that character matters as much as competitiveness.

It was also an event with community impact. Families, alumni, and local supporters filled the YMCA, bringing energy to the deck and a boost to the local economy. Meets like this not only showcase athletic talent but also bring new visitors to Citrus County, highlighting it as both a welcoming community and a place where excellence thrives.

A Lasting Impression

For those in attendance, lasting images included the roar of the crowd as Crystal River’s relay set a new school record, Noah Walker’s electrifying swims rewriting county history, and the sight of hundreds of student-athletes united by their love of the sport.

As one of Citrus County’s biggest annual swimming competitions, the Invitational not only advances swimming but also strengthens bonds that extend beyond the pool. It represents the very best of high school athletics—dedication, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence—woven together with unwavering community support.

I was honored to play a role in helping with this important event. Watching these student-athletes chase their goals and push past limits reaffirmed why Citrus County should take pride in its swimmers and divers. The 2025 Invitational was not just a meet; it was a celebration of what can be achieved when talent, effort, and community come together.

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