WEBSTER, N.Y. – The Hartwick swimming and diving teams opened competition at the 2025–26 Empire 8 Swimming & Diving Championships in strong fashion, with both squads sitting in the top three after day one.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Following a strong showing in the preliminary rounds, the Hawks carried that momentum into the finals session against a competitive field that included nationally ranked powerhouse SUNY Geneseo.
Cameron Drake (El Cajon, Cal.) and Lane Rawls (Baldwinsville, N.Y.) qualified for the men's 500-yard freestyle to kick off the evening finals. Drake delivered a standout performance, earning a silver medal with a time of 4:41.49.
On the women's side, Cate Russo (San Pedro, Calif.) and Anna Bischoff (Oneonta, N.Y.) secured key points in the 500 free. Russo finished in 5:17.13, followed closely by Bischoff at 5:20.54.
Conor Barry (Clifton Park, NY) represented Hartwick in the men's 200-yard IM championship final, clocking a 2:00.27 to add to the team total. Min-Syun Chen (Saratoga Springs, N.Y.) contributed on the women's side with a 2:20.75 finish in the 200 IM.
In the three-meter diving event, first-years Aidan Page (Schenectady, NY), Diego Vera (White Plains, NY), and Alexander Chapman (Port Crane, NY) made their championship debuts. Page led the trio with a score of 308.95, followed by Vera (289.35) and Chapman (278.55).
The men closed the evening with a bronze-medal finish in the 400-yard medley relay. The quartet of Keegan Burkhardt (West Hurley, NY), Hassan Abdelwahed (New Hartford, N.Y.), Bryce Rogers (Fulton, N.Y.), and Mahdi Behniaye (Hannibal, Mo.) posted a 3:32.08, helping the Hawks end day one in second place overall.
The women also secured bronze in the 400-yard medley relay. Cassidy Payrot (Cicero, N.Y.), Aubrey Vaile (Wesley Chapel, Fla.), Chen, and Bischoff combined for a time of 4:04.20, positioning the Hawks in third place after the opening day of competition.
RESULTS
MEN'S SCORES
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Geneseo - 331
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Hartwick - 153
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Alfred - 132
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Brockport - 130
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Nazareth - 40
WOMEN'S SCORES
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Geneseo - 301
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Brockport - 144
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Hartwick - 106
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Nazareth - 93
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Alfred 46
UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS
The Hawks will return for Day Two of the Empire 8 Championships at the Webster Aquatic Center, preliminary heats begin at 10 a.m. and finals are scheduled for a 5 p.m. start.
About Hartwick College:
Hartwick, often referred to as The Life Balance College, is a private liberal arts and sciences institution in Oneonta, N.Y. Through its distinctive FlightPath approach, Hartwick blends academic excellence, career preparation and an active campus life to help students achieve a balanced and fulfilling college experience. With transparent tuition and a focus on health and wellness, Hartwick prepares students for lifelong success—both professionally and personally.
