Cayden Pitzer, a sophomore and a swimmer from American River College, was named Tri-Swimmer of the Meet and won Performance of the Meet awards at a recent state event held at Santa Rosa Junior College. Photo courtesy of American River College

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) – American River College swimmer Cayden Pitzer was recently honored as the 2024–25 California Community College Sports Information Association (CCCSIA) State Male Athlete of the Year, solidifying his status as one of the top junior college athletes in the state.

Pitzer shares this prestigious recognition with Breanna Lutz of Palomar College, who earned the State Female Athlete of the Year award for her outstanding softball season.

The sports information association started the State Athletes of the Year honors in 2011-2012.

Pitzer's performance in the pool this year was nothing short of dominant, according to the American River College website. Pitzer shattered multiple school and meet records, consistently placing first in his individual events while also anchoring American River College's powerhouse relay teams. His versatility and power in the breaststroke and IM events made him the man to beat at the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) State Championships.

Pitzer not only brought personal accolades but was instrumental in leading American River to top finishes at each level of competition, according to the college website. His commitment to excellence helped set a new standard for the Beavers' men's swim program, long considered one of the premier aquatic teams in the state. 

Pitzer was named Tri-Swimmer of the Meet and won Performance of the Meet awards at the recent state event held at Santa Rosa Junior College. 

The sophomore set a state meet record in the prelims for the 200-yard individual medley at 1:46.80 and later won the event gold at 1:47.63.

In the opening men's event, Pitzer helped the Beavers win the 200-yard freestyle relay. He then participated in a state record-setting swim as American River College won the 400-yard medley relay.

Pitzer opened day two with another state record as he joined teammates Josh Branson, David Tsypan and Gar Long to win gold in the 200-yard medley relay (1:28.86).

Pitzer then busted an 11-year record with a magnificent new state standard of 52.98 in the 100-yard breaststroke.

On the final day, Pitzer missed another state record by just .03 with his first-place triumph in the 200-yard breaststroke. Fittingly, Pitzer helped American River College close the meet with a win in the 400-yard freestyle relay.

Pitzer recently earned a scholarship to continue his academic and swimming career at the University of Kentucky.

It is the fourth time that a swimmer has won the men's Athlete of the Year award.