Lock Haven Swimmers End Decades Long YMCA State Title Drought

Numerous swimmers have filled the ranks of the Lock Haven YMCA swim team over the past several decades and many gave it their all to claim an individual state title.  The last to step upon the top of the podium was David Sheets from his win in the 100 yard backstroke in 1986 (Sheets plus teammates Wayde Brookens, Kurt Herrmann and Bob Miller did win the 200 medley relay at the same meet).  The nearly three decade drought was quenched when Simon Lins and Emma Butzler claimed titles in their age group swims at Penn State’s McCoy Natatorium this past weekend.  Full results can be viewed here.

Madison Bair (bottom swimmer), neck and neck with Hazelton’s Sadie Hunsinger in the girls 10-and-under 100 yard breaststroke.

Avery Mahoney, coiled and ready to spring as the lead-off swimmer in the girls 14-and-under 200 medley relay.

Lock Haven YMCA coach Jim Merinar with double gold winner, Emma Butzler.

Simon Lins, winner of the 10-and-under boys 50 yard backstroke, atop the podium stand (center, top row)

Learning to Save Lives Around Water - Lock Haven Y Lifeguard Training

Flashback Friday - Jersey Shore YMCA State Swimmers from '85-'86

Several years of blogging have occurred at the Jersey Shore Swim blog with over 900 stories and articles posted.  With that in mind, the Jersey Shore Swim blog will occasionally pull out an occasional favorite or interesting item from the archives to share with readers (plus some interesting old stuff never posted) in a series called Flashback Friday.

Nine Jersey Shore swimmers are heading over to Penn State this weekend to compete in YMCA States.  Below is an article highlighting the five swimmers from the 1985-1986 season that competed in YMCA States.

Conquering Fear, Building Confidence - Lock Haven Y Swim Lessons

Jersey Shore Swimmer Brings Home Medal

It has been several years since a Jersey Shore swimmer has brought back a piece of hardware from the PIAA State Swim Meet (last one to do it was Maddie Thompson in 2011).  Freshman Emma Butzler, seeded 9th in the 100 butterfly prelims, just squeaked into the finals.  By the time the 100 fly final was over, she moved from her 8 seed spot to land in 7th place.  She also placed 15th overall in the 200 freestyle.  The girls AA final times can be viewed here.  Teammate Luke Engel swam a 56.98 in the boys 100 butterfly prelims.

Hard work of head coach Colt Coffman and Emma Butlzler pays off

Butzler, far right, with a 7th place finish in the PIAA Class AA 100 yard butterfly

Butzler with assistant coach Katie Steppe and head coach Colt Coffman

2015 PA YMCA State Psych Sheets Are Posted

The 2015 Pennsylvania YMCA State Swimming Championship Psych Sheets are posted here.

Lock Haven YMCA Sending 19 Swimmers to States

Three days of great swimming concluded this evening with 19 swimmers (and maybe one or two more as at large bids) qualifying for the state meet.  Full results from the three days can be found here.

Simon Lins won and set a meet record in the boys 10-and-under 50 yard butterfly.  Emma Butzler won the 100 yard butterfly and also qualified for YMCA Nationals in the 200 yard butterfly.

East, Central YMCA District Psych Sheets Posted

• East District YMCA Psych Sheets here
• Central District YMCA Psych Sheets here

2015 YMCA PA Central District Swimming Champs Psych Sheets are Posted

2015 YMCA PA Central District Swimming Championship psych sheets are posted here.

Jersey Shore Sends 2 Swimmers to PIAA States

Luke Engel will be heading to swim another day at the PIAA State Meet next week with a qualifying swim in the 100 butterfly.  He will join Emma Butzler who qualified for both the 100 butterfly and 200 freestyle.  Seedings can be found here under the AA automatic and at-large qualifiers.