Open Letter To The Central Pennsylvania Swim Community

Here in Jersey Shore, we may have to have to fight off another attack on the closing of the Jersey Shore High School Pool. It is probably no different than what is going on around the rest of central Pennsylvania. The Mill Hall outdoor pool is hanging by a thread, Williamsport High School pool is need of repairs (the school board threw out a challenge to raise some money - see here), and the Williamsport outdoor pools are in trouble, here, here, and here.

Although there is some good news as the South Williamsport pool re-opened last year and the Williamsport YMCA is building a new facility, with a pool near the Williamsport hospital, here. It seems that we are all facing very similar issues, closing of pools and promoting the sport of swimming. Why is the local swim community not working together on some ideas to address these issues? At times, it appears everyone is working in a vacuum.

It is about 3 months until the 2012 Summer Olympics start and for several weeks the sport of swimming will get an immense amount of press. What a wonderful opportunity for us (local swim community) to highlight the local swimming scene. Is there a way for the swim community to coordinate some advertisement efforts to let local residents know that the Olympic sport of swimming occurs in their own backyard?

On a small local scale, the Jersey Shore summer swim team is thinking of creating an Olympic swim theme float for the 4th of July parade. Another swim parent suggested that we bring in one of the local radio stations and broadcast at the Bald Eagle Swilm League swim championships. There are some great ideas out there from parents, coaches, and swimmers.

Maybe the swim teams could could work as a league on the newspapers and provide them with a write-up, standings and top times (similar to what they do with the track and field listings on Williamsport's Sunday paper)

Maybe it is time to expand. The Renovo community would love to start up their swim program again (see here) and the Blossurg community just recently updated their outdoor pool (here). No better time to expand when interest is hot!

There are only 3 months till swimming is all over the sports pages. Can we and will we take advantage of it? We are not Little League Baseball nor are we football so we do have to work a little harder and be more innovative in this sport.

Swimming Is In The Air

Summer swim team sign-ups are around the corner.  Here are a few dates and links to review.  Other information will be posted as it becomes available.

Jersey Shore swim team sign-ups will occur on Saturday, May 5 and Saturday, May 12 from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM at the outdoor pool.

click to enlarge

The Williamsport Swim Club information can be found here.

Jersey Shore's 'Old Dudes' Rule!

The Jersey Shore YMCA Men's Masters Swim Team took top honors in the Division II of the Allegheny Mountain YMCA/YWCA Masters Swimming Association Championships.  Below are the swimmers and their placings.  Full results can be viewed here.  Team scores are at the bottom.

Left to right, Mike Campbell, Micah Metzel, Mark Keister,
and Steve Muthler

Micah Metzel: 1,000 free, first place; 100 free, first place; 500 free, first place; 100 butterfly, first place; 100 breaststroke, first place; 200 individual medley, second place; 100 individual medley, second place.

Mark Keister: 25 back, second place; 50 back, third place; 500 free, fourth place; 50 fly, fourth place; 50 breast, fifth place; 25 butterfly, fifth place.

Dave Sheets: 25 backstroke, first place; 50 free, first place; 200 back, first place; 25 butterfly, first place; 100 free, second place; 50 breaststroke, second place.

Steve Muthler: 25 backstroke, first place; 200 backstroke, first place; 25 butterfly, first place; 200 breaststroke, first place; 100 backstroke, first place; 50 backstroke, first place; 400 individual medley, first place.

Mike Campbell: 1,000 free, first place; 100 free, first place; 50 free, first place; 200 individual medley, first place; 500 free, first place; 100 individual medley, first place; 100 butterfly, first place.

Sheets, Metzel, Muthler, Campbell: 200 medley relay, first place.

Keister, Muthler, Campbell, Metzle: 200 free relay, third place.

The back Row (L-R): Micah Metzel, Mark Keister, Mike
Campbell. The front row (L-R): Steve Muthler and Dave Sheets

Team results:
1, Jersey Shore, 225;
2, Erie, 218;
3, Cranberry, 207;
4, Baierl, 191;
5, South Hills, 171;
6, Wilmerding, 152;
7, Jamestown, 147;
8, Indiana, 85.

Just to make sure the competition knows where Jersey Shore is

located and not to confuse it with any TV show out there!

Jersey Shore Swim Parents Recognized by YMCA For Their Volunteer Efforts

An analysis done during the 2010-2011 YMCA swim season showed that parents donated 1360 hours to the Jersey Shore YMCA swim program.  That blog posting can be read here.  When you put a dollar value on that, it comes out to $27,893.60 (the estimated dollar value of volunteer time for Pennsylvania is $20.51 per hour for 2010, according to the Independent Sector, a coalition of charities, foundations, corporations, and individuals that publishes research important to the nonprofit sector).

The Jersey Shore YMCA recognized these efforts by the dedicated swim parents by awarding them this year's volunteer award (picture below).

Reason #22 On Importance of Learning To Swim - Enjoy the Easter Weekend

click on newspaper clipping to enlarge

Jersey Shore Girls Just Miss Placing at YMCA States

Jersey Shore's 12 & Under Girls 200 yard medley relay came into YMCA States seeded 13th on March 25.  It took all they had to fight off the competition to hold that place.  Jersey Shore is in lane 3 (third lane down from the top).  Gabbie Moore leads off with the backstroke followed by Sam Keegan (breaststroke) and Emma Butzler (butterfly).  Very nice swim with Kendra White finishing strong to win their heat.  Their individual and relay results can be found here.  Other team results can be found here.

Mill Hall Pool To Open This Summer

It does take a community effort to get things done around here as the Friends of the Community Pool Committee and the financial support of Mill Hall Borough, Bald Eagle Township, the Clinton County commissioners and the Clinton County Community Foundation are opening up the aging Mill Hall Pool this summer.  More information can be found here.

But some work still needs to be done and funds generated.  So below are some items to note

BINGO FUNDRAISER
Vera Bradley Bingo to benefit the pool is slated for Sunday, April 22 at the Red Eye Center in Flemington. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the event starts at 1 p.m.
 
The CO2 Unique Boutique staff have been a great help with the planning, the Friends said. Prizes will include all newly released summer patterns, and the committee has worked with CO2 to make sure the prizes will be the most coveted Vera Bradley items.

Tickets have been donated by APC Printing Co., and prizes are sponsored by local businesses and families.

Jersey Shore YMCA Swimmers Celebrate Successful Season

Swimmers and parents got together this past Saturday night to celebrate a successful swimming season.  The festivities started on a down note though as Andy Kitchen, president of the Parents Swimming Advisory Board, stated the Jersey Shore School District's position on the high school swimming pool.   Once again, it appears that the school board is looking at closing the pool.

Andy quickly changed the somber mood as he presented a  volunteer award to the group awarded by the Jersey Shore YMCA.    He also acknowledged the presence of Laura McMahon, Branch Executive Director of the Jersey Shore YMCA.  Both Andy and assistant swim coach Patty Kennelley stated that it was the first time since they have been involved in swimming that a YMCA representative attended the swim team banquet.

He also presented gifts to the two coaches, Dave Keegan and Patty Kennelley.  He then turned over the rest of the evening to head coach Dave Keegan and his assistant Patty Kennelley.

Head coach Dave Keegan and assistant Patty Kennelley hand out gift bags

Age Group Captain Awards - for parents and older kids who made sure the younger kids got to the starting blocks on time.

• ·         Tammy Lehman 
• ·         Ellen Keegan 
• ·         Taylor Poretta 
• ·         Evan Moore 
• ·         Jessica Schwoyer 
• ·         Cody Schwoyer 
• ·         Michael Pansczysan 
• ·         Sapphire Naugle

Way to Go Awards - for those swimmers who dropped 5 seconds or more in an event from the beginning of the season to the end.

• ·         Madison Carlin dropped 5.04 seconds in the 25 backstroke 
• ·         Lily Dincher dropped 7.5 seconds in the 50 freestyle 
• ·         Meaghan Keegan dropped 14.27 seconds in the 100 IM 
• ·         Courtney Lehman dropped 6.97 seconds in the 25 breaststroke 
• ·         Sara Pecchia dropped 5.04 seconds in the  backstroke, almost 10 seconds in her 25 freestyle, and over 12 seconds in her 50 freestyle 
• ·         AJ Kitchen dropped 10.05 seconds in the 25 backstroke and 9.08 seconds in the 50 freestyle 
• ·         Owen Staggert dropped 5.76 seconds in the 50 freestyle 
• ·         DJ Steinbacher dropped 5.08 seconds in the 25 freestyle and 6.70 seconds in the 100 IM 
• ·         Gabrielle Bellomo dropped 5 seconds in the 50 backstroke and over 7 seconds in the 50 fly 
• ·         Taylor Fleming dropped 5.96 seconds in the 100 freestyle 
• ·         Cheyenne Gansell dropped 7 seconds in the 100 IM 
• ·         Isabella Hale dropped 6.88 seconds in the 50 freestye, 5.98 seconds in the 100 freestyle, and 5.06 seconds in the 50 breaststroke 
• ·         Allison Moore dropped 5 seconds in the 50 freestyle 
• ·         Jordan O'Connor dropped 6.32 seconds in the 50 backstroke and 9.74 seconds in the 100 IM 
• ·         Alyssa Sawyer dropped over 1 minute in her 50 freestyle while dropping almost 25 seconds in her 50 backstroke 
• ·         Maegan Sorgen dropped 5.10 seconds in the 50 butterfly 
• ·         Aylin Yakut dropped 6.26 seconds in the 100 IM, 6.23 seconds in the 50 freestyle, and almost 10 seconds in the 50 breaststroke 
• ·         Alex Butzler dropped 5 seconds in the 100 freestyle 
• ·         Payton Hammaker dropped over 9 seconds in the 100 freestyle 
• ·         Theron Sorgen dropped 5 seconds in the 50 freestyle, 11 seconds in the 100 freestyle, and 7 seconds in the 50 backstroke 
• ·         Emre Yakut dropped 5 seconds in the 100 freestyle 
• ·         Zach Schwoyer dropped 9 seconds in the 200 freestyle 
• ·         Victoria Bellomo dropped 5 seconds in the 100 freestyle and 5 seconds in the 50 breaststroke 
• ·         Emma Butzler dropped almost 15 seconds in the 200 IM 
• ·         Taylor Codispoti dropped 13 seconds in the 50 freestyle, 5.65 seconds in the 50 breaststroke, and 8 seconds in the 50 backstroke 
• ·         Sam Keegan dropped 6 seconds in the 200 freestyle 
• ·         Cassie Kitchen dropped 5.89 seconds in the 200 IM 
• ·         Allison Panczyszyn dropped 5 seconds in the 50 freestyle 
• ·         Dayanaira Watson dropped 7 seconds in the 50 backstroke 
• ·         Kendra White dropped 10 seconds in the 200 IM and over 5 seconds in the 200 freestyle 
• ·         Zack Lehman dropped 12 seconds in the 100 freestyle and 195 seconds in the 100 breaststroke 
• ·         Michael Panczyszyn dropped 8 seconds in the 50 freestyle and over 6 seconds in the 100 breaststroke 
• ·         Cody Schwoyer dropped 8 seconds in the 200 IM 
• ·         Cheyenne Greene dropped over 6  seconds in the 100 butterfly 
• ·         Sapphire Naugle dropped over 11.5 seconds in the 200 freestyle 
• ·         Courtney Steinbacher dropped over 6 seconds in the 50 freestyle and 13 seconds in the 100 freestyle 

Most Improved Award

• ·         Alyssa Sawyer 
• ·         Meghan Meixel 
• ·         Michael Panczyszyn

Most Valuable Swimmer Award

·         15 & Over Boys - Chet Schwoyer and Evan Moore

·         15 & Over Girls - Hannah Runtas

·         14 & Under Boys - Cody Schwoyer

·         14 & Under Girls - Taylor Poretta

·         12 & Under Boys - Zach Schwoyer

·         12 & Under Girls - Emma Butzler

·         10 & Under Boys - Alex Butzler

·         10 & Under Girls - Taylor Fleming

·         8 & Under Boys - Caleb Stemler

·         8 & Under Girls - Meaghan Keegan

Rookie of the Year Award

·         Zach Lehman

 The banquet ended with a pool party.

Waiting for the signal to get in

Killer game of shark and minnows

Just hanging out in the water

There Is Swimming In Renovo

Can the local Lock Haven swim community involve Renovo youth in winter and summer swimming.

Click on newspaper article to enlarge

Pix of YMCA States

Swim team parent Shelley Moore took a plethora of pictures at the 2012 YMCA States at Penn State's McCoy Natatorium.  They can be viewed here.

YMCA States

Results for YMCA States can be viewed here.

Jersey Shore YMCA Swimmers Set To Celebrate Successful Season

Swim Banquet: Pizza, Potluck & Pool Party

When: Saturday, April 7 at 4:00 pm

Where: Jersey Shore High School Cafeteria

What to Bring: Cups, plates, silverware, and napkins

Dinner and swimmer awards will be from 4 - 6 pm and the pool party is from 6 - 8 pm.

As in the past we are asking that each age group provide some food for the banquet:

8 and unders - Cold Dish or Salad

10 and unders - Hot Dish

12 and unders - 1 Large Pizza from your favorite pizza shop

14 and unders - Dessert

15 and overs - Dessert

We will have water, soda and gatorade available.

Don't forget to bring your swim suits for the pool party!!

Please RSVP Patty Kennelly with the number of family members who will be attending.

Directions:

For those of you who may be new to the team…the Banquet is held at the Jersey Shore High School cafeteria. The High School cafeteria is located on the back side of the school (closer to the soccer field and running track), it is the first set of double doors if you are coming down the hill from the back side of the school. There is a limited amount of parking right in the back and some on the side by the cemetery.

JS and LH Swimmers Gear Up For Final Meet Of Winter Season - YMCA States

Several Jersey Shore and Lock Haven swimmers are heading to Penn State this weekend for the final meet of the YMCA season.

Below are the swimmers that advanced and the links to the psych sheets.

10 and under girls, psych sheet
Emma Person, LH - 50 butterfly
Avery Mahoney, LH - 50 backstroke

12 and under girls, psych sheet
Emma Butzler, JS - 200 medley relay, 50 butterfly, 200 IM
Gabbie Moore, JS - 200 medley relay, 50 backstroke
Kendra White, JS - 200 medley relay, 200 medley relay
Sam Keegan, JS - 200 medley relay, 50 breaststroke

14 and under boys, psych sheet
Cody Schwoyer, JS - 200 freestyle relay, 100 backstroke
Luke Engel, JS - 200 freestyle relay
Zach Lehnman, JS - 200 freestyle relay
Michael Panczyszyn, JS - 200 freestyle relay
Nolan Dale, LH - 200 freestyle relay, 100 freestyle
Mark Myers, LH - 200 freestyle relay
Ethan Dale, LH - 200 freestyle relay
Brandon Kibler - 200 freestyle relay

You Can Only Muscle A Swim So far

Muscling through a swim is okay for short distances (maybe) but stroke efficiency and technique are what really power a swimmer through the water.  There are several opportunities in nearby pools that can help an athlete learn the 'finer' points of swimming.   Additional information will be posted on this blog as more appear between the winter and summer season.  These are great opportunities to get ready for the summer swim!

• Susquehanna Stroke Clinic here
• Loggerhed Spring Training Clinc at the Lock Haven YMCA here
• Bucknell Clinic Program here 

Honors Roll In For Central Pennsylvania Swimmers - II

Central Pennsylvania swimmers are able to compete with the best at all levels; YMCA, high school, and college.

Lock Haven University's Britt Rehrig earned All-American Status at the 2012 NCAA Division II Men's & Women's Championship in the 100 yard breaststroke.  LHU coach Andy Waeger did a great job of blogging the experience here for swimmer and coach.

Honors Roll In For Central Pennsylvnaia Swimmers - I

Central Pennsylvania swimmers are able to compete with the best at all levels; YMCA, high school, and college.

Montoursville swimmer, Alex Sullivan snagged two All-State titles in the 50 and 100 freestyle.  Very nice write-up in today's Williamsport Sun-Gazette here.  Also a write-up here.

Central Mountain PIAA Swimming – District 6-9 – AAA Championship Meet

The Central Mountain High School Swim Team successfully showcased their talents at the District 6-9 AAA Swimming and Diving Regional Championships held at Penn State McCoy Natatorium.  

Right from the start, the Central Mountain boys dominated early by placing third in the medley relay (team of Rodo, Suter, Jones and Sheets) earning them a medal and spot on the podium. The relay team was seeded in fifth place. Backstoker, Phil Rodo shot off the blocks – possessing a very close and very tight 3rd place in the first 25 yards but fell slightly into fourth place heading back to the blocks with a time of 27.70. Teammate Ben Jones, in for the injured Josh Cram – fought hard in his breast stroke but wasn’t able to keep the pace with the tough teams of State College, Altoona and Hollidaysburg ahead of him,  but managed to maintain 4^th place with a 31.79. Trying to regain the shortfall, Jordan Suter had his work cut out for him in his butterfly. Suter responded, charging through the waters with a 26.89, allowing Tyler Sheets to maintain that momentum and sprint home not only with a new school record, but earning the boys a place on the podium, with a freestyle split of 24.33.

CM Boys 200 Yard Medley Relay (L) stand on the

podium after receiving their medals

Top row (L) Tyler Sheets and (R) Jordan

 Suter. Bottom (L) Benjamin Jones

and (R) Phil Rodo

Photo provided by Studio 2 Photography

  

“That was one of the most exciting races I have seen all year swimming,” said CMHS coach Carol Matheney. “It wasn’t the time, it wasn’t where they placed and it wasn’t even the new school record that impressed me the most. It was hard-fought. The kids were in this for themselves. It was a fitting finish for an emotional season.”  

The impetus continued into the 200 Yard Freestyle on both the boys and girls teams. Senior Rachel Sackett, placed second in her heat, 8^th overall, with a personal best time of 2:23:75 and depositing 5 points on the CM scoreboard. Nolan Dale placed first in his heat coming in at 2:09:57, a new personal best for the freshmen, while teammates  Jordan Suter and Benjamin Jones pushed one another in their heat with Suter taking second at 1:57:68, and Jones earning a third place finish for the Wildcats at 1:59:71. Suter’s second place finish also garnered him with the new CMHS 200 Yard Freestyle record, one that he earned last year as a freshman. 


The energy surged again on the boys’ team during the 50 Yard freestyle as Phil Rodo placed fifth in his heat and netted himself a sixth place finish overall, which earned him a spot on the podium with a time of 23:42. Teammate Tyler Sheets placed second in his heat coming in at 24:35 – a career-best record and qualifying him a trip to the YMCA District level. Hannah Worden finished third in her heat at 28:39 – a few seconds faster than her seed time. The day ended with the girls 200 Yard Relay (team of Rachel Sackett - Autumn Shultz - Bethany Barrett - Hannah Worden; alternate Hannah Williams) taking a fourth place finish with a time of 1:56:63.

Day two of districts was just as rewarding for the Central Mountain Wildcats. Senior Autumn Shultz swam to a second place finish in her 100 Yard Freestyle heat coming in at 1:05:34, while Nolan Dale took first in his heat with a 56:96, followed by, in heat number two, Tyler Sheets placing fifth, with a time of 55:25. The team also saw former CM standout, Nate DeCapria’s, 2001 PIAA District record broken during this event when State College’s, Micah Cattell came in at 46:80.  

Jordan Suter broke another Wildcat record in the 500 Yard Freestyle coming in at 5:22:39 placing seventh overall, missing the podium by only six seconds, followed by tenth place finisher Benjamin Jones who came in at 5:30.28. The girls 100 Yard Backstroke saw Bethany Barrett taking third in her heat with a 1:15:94 while on the boys side Phil Rodo also placed  third with a time of 1:01:41 breaking his own CM school record. The day ended with Hannah Williams earning the Wildcats their final points of the day by placing ninth overall in her 100 Yard Breaststroke coming in at 1:28:89. 

Terrific competition”, Coach Matheny said. “I am definitely more than pleased with the way everyone swam.”  “This year we have been plagued with injuries, illnesses, and swimmer’s leaving the program, and I am very proud of what the team has accomplished, marking the post season with personal best times and new school records.”

PIAA Swimming Results For Williamsport

From the March 15, 2012 on-line edition of the Williamsport Sun-Gazette.  Results for the the boys PIAA Swimming and Diving Championships can be found here and the girls here

Williamsport's Jacob Mackey placed 29th during the 500-yard freestyle preliminaries on Thursday morning at the PIAA Swimming Champion-ships at Bucknell University.

Mackey finished in 4 minutes, 51.59 seconds.

Mackey then joined teammates Matt Runtas, Duncan Frazier and Shaun Smith to finish 12th during the 400-yard freestyle relay preliminaries. The Millionaires swam a 3:11.93, nearly 2 seconds better than their seed time.

They swam in the B final and finished 11th overall with a time of 3:12.11.

New Swimmers Make Waves For Jersey Shore

For some YMCA swimmers, it may take years to get to States, but for Jersey Shore’s Michael Panczyszyn and Zack Lehman it took just five months.  The first year swimmers, combined with veterans Luke Engel and Cody Schwoyer, participated in the 200 yard freestyle relay at Western PA YMCA District Championships at Chartiers Valley High School this past weekend in the boy’s 14-and-under age group.   Top nine relays move onto YMCA States at Penn State University on March  24. 

200 medley relay team of (left to right) Luke
Engel, Cody Schwoyer, Michael Panczyszyn,
 and Zack Lehman.

 “Michael wouldn’t even put his head in the water when he started the beginning of the swim season”, said Shore head coach Dave Keegan, “whereas Zack was doing it to just stay in shape for other sports.”   “Both progressed very nicely as the dual meet season wore on and they were improving to the very end “.

They entered the race seeded 10th but  the foursome were able to drop over five seconds to leapfrog over several higher seeds to finish in sixth place and earn a trip to the State Championship meet.   Schwoyer also qualified for the 100 yard backstroke.

Jersey Shore Girls Take Top Spots In 200 Yard IM

Emma Butzler and Kendra White secured two of the top five spots in the 200 yard individual medley at the Western PA YMCA District Championships at Chartiers Valley High School this past weekend in the girls’s 12-and-under age group.   Results can be viewed here.

White was able to drop almost six seconds to move up several slots and capture fifth while top-seeded Butzler was able to hold off Abby German from Eastside Family Branch YMCA for first.  

Video below highlights Kendra White's race.  She is located in lane 3 with the black and orange cap.

Award ceremony for the 200 IM where Jersey Shore
 swimmers took first and fifth.

Kendra White in the breaststroke leg of her 200 IM

Jersey Shore Swimmers In Action

Here are the pictures from the YMCA West Districts from Chartiers Valley High School.  Thanks to swim team parent Shelley Moore.

Jersey Shore Swimmers Hit The Medal Stand

Almost all Jersey Shore swimmers dropped times with several reaching the award stand.  Check out the results for YMCA Western Pennsylvania Districts here.  More info to come the next several days

Goodbye Senoirs

Seniors at the Central Pennsylvania YMCA Swim League Championship meet were recognized for their careers in YMCA swimming.  Stick around long enough in Central PA swimming and you recognize kids like these as they move up the age ranks.

Below is a couple of bios that were included in the meet publication.

click to enlarge

Seniors were recognized in a formal ceremony before the
 start of the CPYSL Championship meet.  Click to enlarge

Central Pennsylvania YMCA Swim League Better Get Ready For Another Member

There was an article in yesterday's Williamsport SunGazette where the River Valley Regional YMCA made the announcement that they are going to build a new YMCA.  That article can be read here.  

The YMCA's web site here, gives more information.  one of the comments from David Fagerstrom, River Valley Regional YMCA CEO was that "The HVAC and electrical systems are antiquated and the pool is nearing the end of its useful life." (Hint: Lock Haven YMCA).  So instead of putting a band-aid on the existing structure, they are going to build a new facility.

The site goes on to list the many features of the new building.  Below is the information pertaining to the indoor swimming pool.

An Indoor Swimming Pool suitable for the various groups that use the Y: swim team, masters club, family swim, aquacize, senior water exercise, youth swim lessons, etc. The current Williamsport Branch YMCA facility pool is deteriorating, does not have good access for those with physical disabilities, and is not designed for lap swimming. The pool that will be built at the new Williamsport Branch YMCA will have a zero-depth entry ramp, and have the proper length and depth for lap swimmers, youth swim team members, senior exercise, youth swim lessons, and masters swimmers.

Do you catch that?  The pool that will be built at the new Williamsport Branch YMCA will have a zero-depth entry ramp, and have the proper length and depth for lap swimmers, youth swim team members, senior exercise, youth swim lessons, and masters swimmers.

Sounds like the Central Pennsylvania YMCA Swim League better get ready for another member. 

Run On Land For Those In The Water

A March Madness 5K walk-run fundraiser to benefit the Balls Mills Soccer Club and the Williamsport Area Swim Club will begin at 10 a.m. March 17 at Heshbon United Methodist Church, 2898 Heshbon Road.

Registration is from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m.

Costs are $20 per person or $15 for a registered U.S. Swimmer or Balls Mills Soccer Club player. The course is completely flat and is great for both families and individuals.

Prizes will be awarded for the first three overall male and female finishers, and for various age groups.

The Williamsport Area Swim Club offers youth a year-round training program from beginners to advanced competitors.

WASC is part of the U.S. swim program, a national organization that provides the structure and meets for youth to qualify for different levels of competition, including the Junior Olympics.

In addition to participating in several meets at places like Penn State University, last year seven area swimmers competed in an open water swim and a triathlon outside of Allentown. One student also qualified for and participated in the Junior Olympics.

"The March Madness 5K run-walk helps support youth in our club who want to participate in competitions," said Sue Smith, coach for the Swim Club. "We began the March Madness 5K run-walk to help support youth of all backgrounds who want to swim and play soccer, though both sports are ones that minorities do not traditionally participate in."

For more information, visit www.ballsmillssoccer.org or email shauntandsuzy@msn.com.

YMCA West Districts Psych Sheets Posted

There is a lot of swimming for area swimmers this upcoming weekend at YMCA Districts at Chartiers Valley High School.  Twenty-four swimmers (11 from Jersey Shore and 13 from Lock Haven) will be making the trek to the Pittsburgh area.  Their seed times and placings can be viewed here.  Other information, such as previous year's results, can be viewed here.  The results from the 2012 YMCA West Districts will be placed here.

Lock Haven YMCA Sends 'Lucky 13' to YMCA Western Districts

The Lock Haven YMCA is sending one of their largest group of swimmers in years.  Below are the events the team will be swimming.  A swimmer can only swim in three events maximum; 2 individual and one relay or one individual and two relays.

Boys 10 & Under

Thomas Haftl - 50 Free

Girls 10 & Under

Avery Mahoney - 50 Free , 50 Back

Emma Persun -  50 Fly

 Girls 11-12

Michelle Haftl - 200 Free, 50 Back

Boys 11-12

Julius Tomalonis - 200 Free, 50 Fly

Boys 13-14

Ethan Dale  - 200 Free Relay

Nolan Dale - 50 Free ,100 Free , 200 Free Relay

Brandon Kibler  - 50 Free, 100 Free, 200 Free Relay

Mark Myers - 200 Free Relay

Boys 15-18

Ben Jones -  200 Medley Relay A Free, 500 Free ,  200 Free Relay

Phil Rodo  - 200 Medley Relay, 50 Free, 200 Free Relay

Tyler Sheets - 200 Medley Relay, 50 Free , 200 Free Relay

Jordan Suter  - 200 Medley Relay, 200 Free , 200 Free Relay

Is Williamsport High School Producing A Dynasty In Boys Swimming?

A dynasty is a team that dominates their sport or league for multiple years.

Below is a newsarticle that details the final day of swimming and a link detailing day one of swimming here.

click on picture to enlarge

Go West, Young Man (and Women of Course)!

A contigent of Jersey Shore swimmers is heading to YMCA Western Districts this upcoming weekend.  Below are the young men and women that qualified and are heading to Chartiers Valley High School.

11-12 Girls

Emma Butzler- 200 Medley Relay, 200 IM, 50 Butterfly

Samantha Keegan- 200 Medley Relay, 50 Free, 50 Breaststroke

Gabbie Moore- 200 Medley Relay, 50 Free, 50 Back

Kendra White- 200 Medley Relay, 200 IM, 50 Back

 11-12 Boys

Zach Schwoyer- 200 Free, 100 Free

13-14 Boys

Luke Engel- 50 Free, 100 Butterfly, Free Relay

Zach Lehman- 50 Free, 100 Free, Free Relay

Michael Panczyszyn- Free Relay

Cody Schwoyer- 200 IM, 100 Back, Free Relay

 15 & Over Boys

Evan Moore-100 Butterfly

Chet Schwoyer- 100 Back, 200 Free

Is Swimming About to Grow in Central PA?

There was an interesting article in the Daily Collegion on February 15 in which the Penn State wrestling coach, Cael Sanderson, was asked about how to save wrestling. Apparently, in some parts of the country (certainly not in central PA) the sport is dying and interest has been fading way. Sanderson responded by saying that saving wrestling is not what needs to be done. Instead he said the following; "First of all, you shouldn't be saying save wrestling in the first place," Sanderson said. "If you want to save wrestling you talk about growing wrestling." That whole article can be read here.

His attitude is the attitude the swimming community should have in central Pennsylvania. Let’s look at a few things that could be done to grow swimming in the middle of the state with the creation of four swimming teams.

The Northern Tier Lungfish (or Guppies or Surfers (why does every swimming team mascot have to be an animal?))
Up to last year, Troy had a summer swim team that participated in the Bald Eagle Swim League. This team had swimmer participation from several nearby communities but a summer pool closing dried up one source of athletes. Unable to field a full team, the Troy team disbanded. At the same time, the Blossburg “Island Park” pool celebrated the renovation of their facility. Although Blossburg is a small town, why can’t a small group of kids and dedicated volunteers train a contingent of athletes in Blossburg? Pair them up with the remnants of the Troy Swim Team and compete as the Northern Tier Minnows (or Crayfish or Hellbenders (now there is a name that will strike fear to area swimmers – hellbenders do live in Pennsylvania waters)).

The Rise and Rebirth of the South Williamsport
Several years ago, South Williamsport participated in the Bald Eagle Swim League. For whatever reason, the team folded but the pool survives. Could not some interested parents restart the team? With the Olympics around the corner, a recruitment effort may pay off some dividends.

Pick Up the Pieces Already
Was it in-fighting? Power grabs? Leadership issues? Whatever the reason for the dissolution of the Williamsport YMCA winter swim team, two years is long enough for the dust to settle and start over. Committed parents and YMCA officials should pick up the pieces and restart the Williamsport Winter Swim team. The 2012 Summer Olympics should generate enough attention to provide a strong response from the community.

Bringing Back History
Renovo used to have a small but energetic swimming community, swimming against the likes of Jersey Shore and Lock Haven. Several parents in Renovo would LOVE to have a swim team/program in their town again. Sure, it wouldn’t be enough to be a team unto itself but could model itself after the Northern Tier Sand Crabs (or Jellyfish or Shad). This whole idea was explored in much more detail here, along with pictures and some history.

We, the swimming community, should be proactive and explore these and other ideas, not to save but grow swimming!

Williamsport High School Pool - Will It Stay Open Or Be Mothballed?

There is alot of talk within the Williamsport School District on whether the high school pool should be renovated or closed.  It appears, for right now, that the pool will be saved but some monies have to be raised.  There was an article in the February 23rd edition of the Williamsport Sun-Gazette and can be viewed here.

One of the best lines in the article is by Bill Keiser, Williamsport high school swimming coach.  "We have too many lakes, rivers, streams to not have a swimming program".

Central Pennsylvania YMCA Swim League Championship Records Updated

The Central Pennsylvania YMCA Swim League Championship Records have been updated and can be located here.

Jersey Shore Swim Parents - Will Travel to Water

In order for Jersey Shore swimmers to get to all the meets this past very busy weekend (YMCA Pentathlon at LHU, USA Last Chance Meet at PSU, and High School PIAA District 4 meet at Bucknell U., see results here) they usually need a parent or two to cart them around. 

Swim parent Shelley Moore saw it all this past weekend!  Look at her pictures as she travelled around central Pennsylvania to catch all the Jersey Shore swimming action.

USA Nittany Lion Aquatic Club Last Chance Swim Meet at PSU pictures here

Lock Haven YMCA Pentathlon pictures here

Jersey Shore High School District 4 PIAA at Bucknell University pictures here

Jersey Shore Swimmers - Will Travel To Water

Great weekend for Jersey Shore swimmers as they were all over the place competing as the season winds down.

High school swimmers were at Bucknell University for two days of swimming at the District 4 PIAA swim meet.   Congratulations to Ian Endresen who won the 100 yard breaststroke and advanced to the PIAA States.  Results can be viewed here.

Many Jersey Shore YMCA swimmers participated in the Zoltolski Pentathlon on Saturday at Lock Haven University's Zimmereli Pool.  Congratulations to Meagan Keegan for winning the 8-and-under girls.    Results can be viewed here.

Several of the Jersey Shore swimmers in the USA Haven Area Aquatic Club ventured over to the 2-day USA Last Chance Meet  at Penn State's McCoy Natatorium to try their hand at some non-traditional YMCA events.  Results can be viewed here.

Friends on Land/Rivals in the Water

Emma Butzler and Hanna Everhart are friends;  they do the texting thing, slumber parties together, and go to the same swim clinics.  But they are also rivals as Butzler swims for the Jersey Shore YMCA and Everhart for the Bloomsburg Y.  A rivalry only exists when both competitors are evenly matched and it is anyone's guess who will come out on top during competition.    The two have been racing against each other for years and it has been a  back and forth competition.

Earlier this swim season, they squared off in the 100 yard freestyle at the  Bellefonte Invitational where Everhart out-touched Butzler by 11/100s of second.  Although neither of them won the 200 yard freestyle event,  Everhart had a much more dominating swim against her friend and rival as she beat her by over 2 seconds.

The two matched up again in the dual meet season in the 200 yard individual medley (IM).  It appeared as Butzler had the race in hand as she lead by a few body lengths after the backstroke and butterfly legs.  Everhart chewed up the lost yardage in the breaststroke leg to take a lead that she would not relinquish, touching the wall first by 19/100s of a second over Butzler.

The Central Pennsylvania YMCA Swim League Championships this past weekend provided another opportunity for the two to race.   Their first meeting, although not head-to-head, was in the 200 medley relays.  Everhart's strong swim in the anchor position was enough to propel her relay to a win over Shore's Gabbie Moore, Sam Keegan, Butzler, and Kendra White by 66/100s of a second.

The one-on-one competition was with the 200 IM where BAY's Everhart was the number one seed followed by Butzler.  She was also facing the rest of the BAY team as the other four lanes were occupied by Everhart's teammates.  The race started to play out in a similar fashion to the January dual meet as Butzler led throughout the first two legs but this time she did not fade in the breaststroke.   Her effort was not only enough to win the event but set a new league record.  Check out the video below and the results can be viewed here.  Butzler is in lane 4 with Everhart in lane 3 (lane 1 is at the bottom of the screen and lane 6 at the top)

Best For Last- Moore Captures Win On Final Swim Of The Day

Gabbie Moore was an underdog all day at the 2012 Central Pennsylvania YMCA Swim League championship meet this past Saturday.  She was part of a 200 medley relay that was seeded behind Bloomsburg Y (BAY) but even though the foursome of Moore, Sam Keegan, Emma Butzler, and Kendra White dropped a second in the final, they were unable to topple the favorite and finished second. 

Her next event was the 50 yard freestyle where she was seeded second behind BAY swimmer Hanna Everhart.   A hard swim almost dropped her time by one second but still not enough to unseat Everhart. 

She was seeded third in her next race, the 50 yard butterfly, behind Everhart and Butzler where she finished third.

It was her last swim of the day where Moore made her statement.  Seeded second behind BAY's Rebecca Decker (yes, Bloomsburg was incredibly tough) in the 50 yard backstroke, she dropped over 2 seconds to not only capture the event but set her personal best time.  Video of her race can be viewed below and results can be viewed here.  Moore is in lane 4 with Decker in lane 3 (lane 1 is at bottom of the video with lane 6 at the top)

Central Pennsylvania YMCA Swim League Championship Results Posted

The results to the Central Pennsylvania YMCA Swim League Championship meet have been posted.  The younger age group results (8 and 10 and unders) can be viewed here and the older age groups (12 and up) can be viewed here.

The results of all the YMCA meets that Jersey Shore swimmers have participated in for the 2011-2012 season can be viewed under the 'Pages' section of the blog located in the upper left hand side of this blog.