As with most families of children in multiple sports, weekends are attacked with a plan - divide and conquer. For the Gananda family of Peyton and Haley Conner, the weekend of March 8 saw them splitting their time between Ithaca for Peyton’s NY State Swim Meet and Staten Island for Haley’s NY State Indoor Track Meet. Opposite ends of the state, but a fantastic problem to have with two high achieving student-athletes.
Peyton, a junior, has been on the Boys Varsity Swim Team since 7th grade, and has racked up an impressive record in the pool. He and his teammates have carved out a successful 2024-25 season, not only winning this year’s Finger Lakes League D2 Invitational (for the second time)—where Peyton was named “Outstanding Performer of the Meet”— but also the program’s first Class D Sectional Championship. His 50 freestyle time of 21.51 (new school record) and 100 butterfly at 51.76 (new school record and Class D Sectional record) crowned him “Swimmer of the Meet” and punched his ticket to the NY State meet in Ithaca on March 8th. He was also highlighted by Primetime 585 as their Shining Star of the Week, and was featured on WROC 8.
Outside of the water, Peyton is also recognized for his academic excellence. According to Dr. Christopher Whipple, Ruben A. Cirillo High School Principal: “Peyton is extremely conscientious not just about his swimming, but also his academics. He has challenged himself with a very rigorous course load by taking three college level courses.” The teacher of one of those college level courses, chemistry teacher Mary Courtney, said she is constantly impressed by his focus in such a challenging course and his ability to balance school and sports while maintaining his place on the Honor Roll.
Teachers like Amy Peterson praise Peyton as an outstanding young man who is also a remarkable member of the community. He organized his friends to manage weekly recycling for the HS, and thus serves as a positive school community role model for his peers. Math teacher Kerri McMahon and School Counselor Kristen Kelleher second his positive representation as a student-athlete who takes pride in his work and willingness to be quick with a smile and helping hand.
On land, his sister Haley, a Gananda sophomore, has solidified her place as a state-qualifying Indoor Track star. Starting with Sectional title wins in the 300m and 600m, and a second place finish in the 55m, she secured her spot on the bus to the NY State Indoor Track Meet in Staten Island on March 8th.
None of this is surprising to Paul Pfeiffer, her Marion/Gananda Indoor Track coach, who states “Haley is a fierce competitor that is always eager to improve.” At states, Haley finished 15th overall with a personal record of 1:37.08 and dropped just over a second from her state qualifier time, moving up 9 spots in her ranking. For her Marion/Gananda team she was named Girls MVP and is a 1st-Team WFL all star in the 55m, 300m, and 600m.
In the classroom, teachers like Ruben A. Cirillo’s David Broussard describe Haley as a hard worker “who looks to produce exemplary work at all times” with grades that place her on the Honor Roll. Teacher Rachel Zebulske seconds this dedication to academics and praises her engagement in the classroom. Also herYearbook Advisor, Mrs. Zebulske, states Haley takes her role as yearbook photographer seriously; she is one who likes to attend games to support and represent her peers through her photos. Dr. Whipple echoes these sentiments: “Like her brother, Haley works hard in and out of the classroom. We are fortunate to have both as part of our school community.”
Two amazing student-athletes. One very PROUD Gananda family. Congratulations to Peyton and Haley for all of your athletic and academic achievements this year thus far - we can’t wait to see what your future holds!
#GanandaProud