Lima Barracudas Excel at 2025 YMCA National Long Course Championship in Ocala

The Lima Barracudas delivered a historic performance at the 2025 YMCA National Long Course Championship in Ocala, Florida, showcasing the talent and determination of their swimmers, led by high school senior Lily Baumgartner and first-time national competitors Angela Fronzaglia and Jenna Downey. Under the guidance of first-year head coach Kody Graham, the team achieved remarkable results, highlighted by personal bests and a record-breaking point total.

Lily Baumgartner’s Dominant Farewell

In her final YMCA National Championship meet, high school senior Lily Baumgartner capped her Barracudas career with an extraordinary performance. Competing in the 200m backstroke, she earned 2nd place with a personal-best time of 2:20.06, followed by a 3rd-place finish in the 100m backstroke (1:04.49) and a 5th-place finish in the 50m backstroke (30.02), both also personal records. Baumgartner’s versatility shone through in the 100m butterfly, where she placed 15th with a season-best time of 1:04.17. Lily also swam a personal best in the 100m freestyle on the first day of competition with a time of 1:01.41. Her efforts contributed an unprecedented 65 points to the Lima Barracudas’ total—the highest individual point total in the team’s history at the National Long Course Championship. As she prepares to join Ohio University as a freshman this fall, Baumgartner leaves behind a legacy of excellence and leadership.

Rising Stars: Angela Fronzaglia and Jenna Downey

Junior Angela Fronzaglia, a student at Lima Senior High, made an impressive debut at the YMCA National Long Course Championship. She achieved personal bests across all her events: 50m backstroke (32.37), 50m butterfly (30.14), 100m butterfly (1:07.24), 100m backstroke (1:11.77), and 200m butterfly (2:38.41). Her consistency across a demanding schedule marked her as a rising star for the Barracudas. Similarly, Jenna Downey, a senior at Bluffton High School, competed in her first national meet and posted a strong 29.32 in the 50m freestyle. The performances of these newcomers underscored the team’s depth and potential for future success.

Leadership and Resilience

Head coach Kody Graham, in his inaugural year leading the Barracudas, praised the team’s resilience. “This was an exciting meet at the end of a long training cycle,” Graham said. “It is incredibly hard to continue to earn personal bests throughout a championship meet that lasts five days, and our girls accomplished this feat. I am so happy that they earned the right to compete on the national stage.” Graham’s guidance was instrumental in preparing the athletes for the grueling competition, and his leadership sets a strong foundation for the program’s future.

A Milestone for the Barracudas

The Lima Barracudas’ performance at the 2025 YMCA National Long Course Championship marked a significant milestone for the program. Baumgartner’s record-setting 65-point contribution, combined with the personal bests from Fronzaglia and Downey, highlighted the team’s growth and competitive spirit. As Baumgartner heads to Ohio University, Fronzaglia continues her high school career, and Downey prepares for her senior season, the Barracudas are poised for even greater achievements in the years to come.

Congratulations to Lily, Angela, Jenna, Coach Graham, and the entire Lima Barracudas team for their outstanding performance at the 2025 YMCA National Long Course Championship!