Buffs boys swim team win a conference title hat trick

Garden City, KS (Western Kansas News) – The Garden City Buffaloes boys’ swimming team secured their third consecutive Western Athletic Conference championship on Thursday, overcoming a strong challenge from Hays High at the Garden City Family YMCA.

Despite winning only two events to Hays’ seven, the Buffs leveraged their depth across multiple events to rack up crucial points, finishing with 390 to Hays’ 346.5. First-year head coach Aleisha Stepp guided the team through last-minute lineup changes due to illness, with swimmers stepping up to deliver standout performances. Ethan Ackerman claimed Garden City’s lone individual win in the 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 1:12.20, while the 200-yard freestyle relay team also secured victory.

The Buffs’ consistency in scoring across all placements proved decisive, ultimately giving them a nearly 50-point margin of victory. Hays senior Marshall Sook was named WAC Swimmer of the Year, and Hays coach Tyler Stein earned WAC Coach of the Year honors.