Courtesy photo Northern Lights YMCA swimmer Esther Oswald does the backstroke during the annual Red, White and Blue meet Saturday at the YMCA. Oswald won the 100-yard backstroke in an NLY-record one minute, 1.01 seconds.

ESCANABA — Northern Lights YMCA swimmers made this season’s home swimming debut a successful one here Saturday, taking a 2,081-1,069 decision from Marquette.

The annual Red, White and Blue meet drew 80 swimmers.

“It was nice to have a small meet for our first-time swimmers,” said NLY coach Scott Dykema. “Competing in our home pool eases some of the anxiety. Many of the NLY swimmers were competing for the first time this season. We have 12 new swimmers that have never competed in a swim meet. Some of the new swimmers were as young as five years old.”

Esther Oswald won the age 15 and over girls’ 100-yard backstroke in an NLY-record one minute, 1.01 seconds. She also took first in 50 (26.59) and 100 freestyle (57.62) and teamed with Nate Lanaville, Isaac Berthaume and Abigail Stephenson in the winning 200 freestyle relay.

“Esther attacked the backstroke aggressively right from the start,” said Dykema. “Esther’s first 50 of the 100 backstroke was faster than her 50 backstroke in the medley relay. Typically, the home team wins (in a dual meet) because it brings more swimmers. Marquette has a strong team and we knew there were some events that would be difficult to win. We lost the medley relay by more than five seconds, so I didn’t think we would beat them in the 200 freestyle relay. But the NLY swimmers swam their best and took first.”

Berthaume copped the 15 & over boys’ 50, 100 and 200 freestyle, 100 backstroke and 200 individual medley. Lanaville (boys’ 13-14) added firsts in 200 and 50 freestyle.

Ethan Oswald (boys’ 11-12) captured the boys’ 50, 100 and 200 freestyle, 50 backstroke and 50 breaststroke.

“Ethan is an intelligent young man, always analyzing every aspect of his race,” said Dykema. “Nate had some spectacular swims also and was second by .05 second in 50 free to one of Marquette’s fastest swimmers.”

Annabelle Neumeier (girls’ 13-14) won 50 butterfly and 50, 100 and 200 freestyle and Kelby Reese (girls’ 11-12) took the 100 breaststroke.

Edye Burnette (girls’ 8 & under) took first in 25 (20.63), 50 (50.32) and 100 freestyle (1:42.74) and 25 (23.3) and 50 backstroke (55.99). Ben Olson (boys’ 9-10) won 50 (38.6), 100 (1:29.03) and 200 freestyle (3:03.59), 50 backstroke (42.9) and 50 butterfly (48.23).

“Edye has an energy source like no other,” said Dykema. “She likes to work and go fast.”

Ulric Neumeier (boys’ 6 & under) took first in 25 and 50 freestyle and third in 25 backstroke. Mason Hall (boys’ 9-10) added a first in 100 backstroke and Lyla Griffin (girls’ 6 & under) captured the 25 backstroke.

NLY swimmers will host Marquette again in the Deer Camp Invitational Friday and Saturday.