For Aaron Stinner, the District 11 championship swimming meet was bittersweet and anticlimactic.

The Whitehall sophomore finished third in the 200 freestyle with a time of 1:45.36, and he also finished third in the 500 freestyle in a time of 4:47.15.

Unfortunately, Stinner finished a tenth-of-a-second and a place away from advancing to the PIAA state meet in both events. He serves as an alternate for the state meet. Stinner did set school records in both events and also set one in the 200 freestyle.

Still, Stinner was pleased with his district showing.

“I was happy with everything,” said Stinner. “I realize it is frustrating not going to states, but I accomplished a lot this season. I had my best times in these events, and that was important to me.

“It was just great to be in the pool for the entire season.”

Stinner had trouble adjusting to a different season last year.

“Last year we had the virtual swim meets,” Stinner recalled. “It just wasn’t the same as being in the pool. It was hard to swim my best without the competition in the pool.

“I just wasn’t able to swim to my standards.”

Stinner began swimming in kindergarten for the Whitehall Waves in which he continued until fifth grade.

From there, Stinner joined the Northampton Swim Club and later swam for Parkland Aquatics, the latter playing a significant role in his career. He cited the work of Jacob Thielen, who helped him along the way.

“I liked the Waves,” said Stinner. “It was a good experience for me. I began to really grow as a swimmer and the Northampton and Parkland clubs were really helpful.

“I did very well with Parkland, and I began to swim more in the offseason.”

Stinner believed he reached another level when he set a new Moravian Academy pool record in the 500 freestyle. It helped propel him toward a successful run down the stretch.

Now, Stinner already has his sights set on next season as well as alumnus Daniel Jablonski’s remaining individual record and relay records

“I am a little anxious to get going for next year,” he said. “That can only help me. I want to chase and break Daniel Jablonski’s records. I’ll take some time off, and then prepare for a long offseason.”

His teammates also have helped me along the way.

“It has been great swimming at Whitehall,” Stinner added. “We have a family atmosphere and everyone supports everyone. We have a great camaraderie.

“I am really looking forward to next year.”