From left, Hayden Foster, Gabriel Baker, coach Kurt Richter, Saige Foster and Max Richter, with June Foster in front, celebrate after Sutter Buttes Swimming finished third at the North Valley Aquatic League Championships. Photo courtesy of Sutter Buttes Swimming

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) – Sutter Buttes Swimming finished third in the team standings at the North Valley Aquatic League Championships, held July 24-26, while five swimmers earned seasonal high-point honors.

Hayden Foster won the 13-14 boys seasonal high-point championship. Max Richter claimed the 11-12 boys title. June Foster earned the 8-9 girls championship. Gabriel Baker placed second in the 11-12 boys division, and Saige Foster finished second in the 11-12 girls division.

The third-place finish is the highest in the program's history since Sutter Buttes Swimming was founded in 2021.

The achievement also marks another step for a team that nearly folded after the loss of its founder.

Coach Eric Pomeroy founded Sutter Buttes Swimming in August 2021 with the goal of teaching young athletes strong swimming fundamentals and the value of hard work. He died in 2022 after the team's inaugural season, leaving the future of the program uncertain.

Parents and volunteers stepped in to continue the program, taking over its day-to-day operation and building on the foundation Pomeroy created.

"This is more than a story about winning medals," said parent Tosh Richter. "It's about a community that rallied after losing its founder, volunteers who dedicated themselves to preserving a dream, and young athletes who continue to honor Coach Eric's legacy through their achievements."

Today, Sutter Buttes Swimming is a nonprofit, volunteer-run program that trains year-round at Gauche Aquatic Park in Yuba City. The team serves swimmers ages 5 through 18. Those interested in joining the team or learning more can visit www.sutterbuttesswimming.com for registration information, practice schedules and program details.

"What makes this accomplishment even more special is that Sutter Buttes Swimming is a nonprofit, volunteer-run swim team," Richter said. "Every practice, fundraiser, meet and success is made possible by dedicated coaches, volunteers, families and supporters who believe in providing opportunities for local youth."

The organization thanked its swimmers, coaches, parents and volunteers for helping the team earn its best finish in league history.

"We couldn't be prouder of this team and can't wait to see what the future holds," Richter said.

Pomeroy was a Yuba City educator who also coached Special Olympics swimming and served as president and head coach of Sutter Buttes Swimming. He also served as a Central California Athletics swim official. His program continues today through the efforts of the families, volunteers and swimmers who chose to carry it forward.