LebCo Athlete of the Week: Sam Gladysz

During the week that culminated with the District 3 Swim Championships on February 28th and March 1st, Palmyra senior Sam Gladysz delivered a postseason performance that checked every box: medals, state berths, and impact across multiple events. Gladysz went 4-for-4 in earning medals while also qualifying for the PIAA State Championships in every event he swam, helping lead the Cougars to a weekend that qualified a large contingent for Bucknell. Those efforts earned Gladysz recognition from the LebCoSports.com community as the LebCo Athlete of the Week.

Individually, Gladysz stood out with a 3rd-place finish in the 100-yard butterfly (49.85) and added another medal by taking 7th in the 100-yard freestyle (46.76). He also played a key role in two relay medals, helping Palmyra place 4th in the 200-yard freestyle relay (1:27.16) and 5th in the 400-yard freestyle relay (3:12.83).

But even with the individual medals, Gladysz views a weekend like that as more of a reflection than a surprise. It was the payoff from months of preparation, early mornings, and the steady habits that build up over a season.

He’s also quick to point back to the team element. The daily grind alongside teammates, the energy on deck, and the shared pressure that comes with chasing big goals together are what he values most, and it’s also what has helped push Palmyra into a position to send a strong group to States.

Beyond the results, Gladysz has been intent on doing it the right way this season, chasing personal bests while embracing the responsibility that comes with being a senior leader. He said his focus has been simple: keep improving, and be the best leader he can be by pushing teammates to be the best versions of themselves.

That approach helped fuel a successful season for Palmyra, and it’s a big reason the Cougars will have a strong presence at Bucknell. Gladysz and his relay teammates are expected to be back in the water at States, with the relay groups likely featuring John Yerke, Dalton Cole, and Cornelius Cummings as well. Yerke also qualified individually in the 200-yard Individual Medley, adding to Palmyra’s list of state-level entries.

Palmyra head coach Cynthia Lyons said that his mentality has defined Gladysz from the start.

“Sam is a dedicated student-athlete who has been outstanding since he stepped on the pool deck 4 years ago,” Lyons said. “Though one of the quietest swimmers on the team until you get to know him, he allows his swimming to do the talking. He is the epitome of training like he races. All of his practice habits are great and so his racing becomes great as a result.”

Lyons also pointed to how much Gladysz values the environment around him. “Sam loves this sport, but he also loves the teams he trains with, the Otters as well as the Cougars,” she said.

“After breaking 3 individual records and being part of a relay record at districts, I can’t wait to see what States bring us. Sam will be missed!”, Lyons concluded.

For Gladysz, the State stage won’t be new. This year, he’ll be looking to build on last season’s performance, when he reached the finals of the 100-yard butterfly at the PIAA meet. Now, after another big postseason run at Districts, the goal is to take that experience and turn it into an even stronger showing at Bucknell.

The PIAA State Swim Championships begin Wednesday, with the AAA field taking to the pool over the first two days before AA takes over. Gladysz and his Cougar teammates will be right in the middle of the action as Palmyra looks to turn a big district weekend into a strong state showing.

Gladysz also made sure to spotlight the 2 people he credits most for helping him get here. He said, “My mom and Coach Cynthia Lyons deserve all the credit for my success.”

Away from the pool, Gladysz keeps things simple. He likes to hang out with friends and play video games, and one fun fact that tends to catch people off guard: his favorite sport is basketball. As for music, he’s into R&B and soul, and if he isn’t already spinning Sam Cooke, the R&B legend, it feels like the most on-brand recommendation possible.

When asked about long-term goals, Gladysz kept it real and practical. He said he simply wants to be happy and have his own family. But first, he has a State Championship to compete in.

Congratulations to Sam on being named LebCo Athlete of the Week, and best of luck to him and his Cougar teammates as they head to Bucknell for the PIAA State Championships.