By: Matthew Salvi, Spring 2026 Intern

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) is set to host the 2026 Boys Swimming & Diving State Championships, presented by New York State Parks, on Friday, March 6th and Saturday, March 7th at Ithaca College.  
 
The 64th annual Boys Swimming & Diving State Championships will return to Ithaca for the 5th time since 2022 and will stay there through the 2027 season. Over 400 athletes will compete in 12 individual/relay/diving events over two days starting at 10:00 am on Friday with the 200 Medley Relay while diving will begin an 11-dive competition at 1:30 pm. On Saturday, finals will take place starting at 10:00 am with awards to follow every three races.  
 
“We are excited about returning to Ithaca College so the top competitors in the state get a chance to compete in a premier facility,” said Scott Warner, NYSPHSAA Boys Swimming and Diving State Coordinator. “Athletes have worked hard all year to get to the grand stage of high school swimming and diving in New York State and we are certain it will be an incredible experience and a great weekend of swimming and diving.” 
 
At last year’s championship, senior Will Siegel of Merrick (Section VIII) won multiple state championships in 2025 including in the 200 and 500 yard freestyle. Seigel graduated and continued his swim career at the University of Michigan. Meanwhile, Frewsburg (Section VI) took home the gold in the 200 yard medley relay while Connor Dean of Frewsburg captured the 200 Yard Individual Medley. Frewsburg (Section VI) took gold in both the 200 yard and 400 yard freestyle relay. 
 
Christian Jerome of Hoosic Valley (Section 2) who last year won the 100 yard butterfly with an impressive time of 48.04 returns to the 2026 state meet. The other returning champion is Carter Kobielski of Williamsville South (Section VI) in the 100 yard freestyle with a time of 45.15.  
 
The Kelsey Partridge Bird Natatorium on the Ithaca campus is a 13,100 square foot Olympic size pool that consists of 9 lanes, 50 meters by 21 lanes 25 yards in length. The pool also has two 1-meter boards and two 3-meter boards on separate platforms, suitable for numerous diving events. The location also provides seating for 1,000 spectators. 
 
Tickets are only available online through GoFan for $13.60 (includes fees) for each session. Finals will be streamed on the NFHS Network, the official broadcasting partner of the NYSPHSAA State Championships. For more on the championship meet schedule, qualifiers and dive order, visit www.nysphsaa.org.