Courtesy photo Northern Lights YMCA swim’s Ben Olson competes against Marquette this weekend in Escanaba.

ESCANABA — The Northern Lights YMCA hosted a swim meet against the Marquette YMCA swim team last last weekend.

“Many of the swimmers continued to swim on their own after the team had paused the season,” NLYMCA coach Scott Dykema said. “Swimmers were emailed workouts 5 times a week. Many of them didn’t miss a beat during the time off. The pool was still open and many of the swimmers continued with their training on their own time. When the season restarted, they were very strong.”

After restarting practice last week, Dykema was happy with the state of his team.

“Nearly every swimmer improved their times in their events,” he said. “Two swimmers broke team records.”

NLY’s Esther Oswald (girls 15 and over) broke records in the 200 backstroke (2:09.18), 200 freestyle (1:59.98), 200 individual medley (2:18.01) and 400 individual medley (4:58.75).

“Esther has the amazing determination, strength and leadership skills,” Dykema said. “Esther’s 200 backstroke time was awe-inspiring. Her endurance is proof that she trained hard during the downtime.”

Ben Olson (boys 9 and 10) broke a 200 back record with 2:46.77.

“Ben is a gifted strong swimmer,” Dykema said. “He has a great feel for the water. His backstroke is very strong and efficient. I knew it would be a matter of time before he broke some records.”

Colton Getzloff (boys 13 and 14) qualified in the 50 free for the first time.

“knew the day would come when Colton would really perform well,” Dykema said. “He is stronger than he thinks and getting stronger every day.”

Isaac Berthaume (boys 15 and older) placed first in all events and dropped time in the 100 back (1:02.61), 100 free (51.96), 200 free (1:59.52) and the 200 individual medley (2:21.00).

“Isaac is the strongest he has ever been,” Dykema said. “He is on the verge of a qualifying state time in a few events.”

Other swimmers who earned their best times were; girls; 8 and under: Lyla Giffin; 9 and 10: Edye Budett, Evie Giffin, Aline Norkoli, Rayne Martin; 11 and 12: Aubrey Elliott, Irene Neumeier; 13 and 14: Rene Gardner, Adrianna Getzloff, Ava Getzloff, Mary Hook, Anabelle Neumeier.

Boys; 8 and under: Ulric Neumeier, Andon Norkoli; 9 and 10: Everett Cole, Mason Hall, Peter Hook, Jake Lanaville, Bobby Micheau; 11 and 12: Ethan Oswald; 13 and 14: Nate Lanaville; 15 and over: Ethan Oswald.

Swimmers at this time are not allowed to swim relays because of the restrictions. Each day is counted as an individual swim as one swim meet. YMCA swimmers are required to swim in a minimum amount of swim meets to participate at larger meets, such as the state championship meet and the national championship meet. The national championship meet has been canceled for the second time, but the state swim meet has not.