From left, back, are Northern Lights YMCA swimmers Dominic Tatangelo, Sierra Tatangelo, Tucker Williams, Allison Deuter, Bryce Johnson and Elliana Williams; front, James Carlson, George Fornetti and Greyson Williams. (Courtesy photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — History was made in the pool during the 2025 season as swimmers from the Northern Lights YMCA Swim Team rewrote the record books, breaking marks that had stood for decades.

The team’s record board dates back to the 1980s, when the program originally competed as the WAVES Swim Team, making each new entry a milestone in the program’s 40-year legacy.

Leading the way was Sierra Tatangelo, who dominated the girls 9-10 age group with three new records. Tatangelo set a new standard in the 1000 freestyle with a time of 16:00.19, followed by a record-breaking 25:04.03 in the 1650 freestyle. She also claimed the record in the 200 backstroke, touching the wall in 3:16.16.

In the girls 11-12 age group, Elliana Williams etched her name into team history by setting a new record in the 1000 freestyle with a time of 17:46.03. In the 15-and-over girls division, Allison Deuter sprinted her way to a new record in the 50 freestyle, clocking a fast 25.43.

The boys’ side saw an impressive wave of performances across multiple age groups. In the 8-and-under category, James Carlson set a new team record in the 200 freestyle with a time of 2:57.40. Teammate Greyson Williams added two records to the board, breaking the 500 freestyle mark in 8:47.93 and the 100 backstroke in 1:34.62.

George Fornetti rounded out the age group by setting a new record in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 2:20.25.

In the boys 11-12 age group, Dominic Tatangelo delivered a pair of standout swims, breaking records in both the 200 backstroke (2:59.12) and the demanding 400 individual medley with a time of 6:50.58.

Older age groups continued the momentum. Tucker Williams set a new benchmark in the boys 13-14 age group with a 12:07.42 finish in the 1000 freestyle. Bryce Johnson added two records of his own, capturing the 100 backstroke record in 1:01.08 and following it up with a 2:13.51 performance in the 200 backstroke.

“These records don’t happen overnight,” said head doach Aimee Tatangelo. “They represent years of commitment, early mornings, and a willingness by these athletes to challenge themselves every day. To see records broken that date back to the WAVES era is incredibly meaningful for our program and a testament to the work these swimmers have put in.”

The 2026 swim season is off to a good start with more record-breaking news in store.