CLARION, Pa. — The Clarion County YMCA Competitive Swim Team capped off an award winning fourth season with a banquet last month at the Limestone Fire Hall.
(Pictured above: Coach Autumn Fotta with Maya Wilshire, Head Coach Emily Ondrizek, Kylan Clark, and Coach Wade Reichelderfer.)
The Riversharks had their largest season ever in terms of swimmers. 87 children from age 5 – 17 participated on the swim team from October through March this year. Fifteen of those swimmers achieved PA West District qualifying times and three swimmers moved on to the Pennsylvania YMCA State Swim Meet.
The Riversharks recognized the outstanding efforts of all the swimmers at the banquet with coach’s awards, high point awards, and District Qualifier Awards. Coaches, swimmers and parents attended the banquet for dinner and awards.
(Pictured above: Coach Autumn Fotta, Coach Wade Reichelderfer, Head Coach Emily Ondrizek with swimmers Kevin Young, Joey Spence, and Ashlyn Clark.)
All of the swimmers were recognized for their hard work throughout the season. Several Swimmers received special awards for recording qualifying times or achieving high points for the team.
High Point trophies were awarded to swimmers who earned 100 or more points for the team throughout the season by attending meets and finishing in the top, with first place finishes given the most points. These swimmers were recognized:
(Pictured above: Coach Autumn Fotta, Head Coach Emily Ondrizek, Coach Wade Reichelderfer with swimmers Kaine McFarland, Brayden Murray, Patrick Young, and Parker Boyden.)
Age 8 & Under High Point Award
Kevin Young, Joey Spence, and Ashlyn Clark
Age 9-10 High Point Award
Maya Wilshire and Kylan Clark
Age 11-12 High Point Award
Kaine McFarland, Brayden Murray, Patrick Young, and Parker Boyden
Age 13-14 High Point Award
Alayna Murray
Age 15-18 High Point Award
Marshall Powers
(Pictured above: Head Coach Emily Ondrizek, Coach Autumn Fotta, Alayna Murray, Marshall Powers, and Coach Wade Reichelderfer)
The Clarion County YMCA uses Clarion University’s Tippin Gym for practices and home meets. The Y uses former and current Clarion University swimmers as coaches in the program.
Fifteen 2017 PA West District qualifiers were recognized for achieving the times necessary to qualify for the meet which was held at Penn State’s McCoy Natatorium March 10-12, 2017. Those swimmers are: Bailee Verdill, Brayden Murray, Patrick Young, William Murray, Alayna Murray, Lydia Seaton, Brianna Warner, Bethany Cater, Jocalyn Henry, Issie Texter, Parker Boyden, Natali Kahle, Nathaniel Lerch, Kevin Young, and Maya Wilshire. Two relay alternates, Kaine McFarland and Kayte Beinhaur, were also recognized.
The Riversharks 2017 State Qualifiers are Maya Wilshire, Patrick Young, and Kevin Young. They competed at the State Meet at Penn State’s McCoy Natatorium on March 26, 2017.
The next season of competitive swimming will begin in October 2017.
Summer stroke clinics and competitive training programs are available through the YMCA.
About the YMCA
For more information about the Clarion County YMCA and Y programs, please visit the YMCA website at www.clarioncountyymca.org, call 814-764-3400 and follow the Y on Facebook.
The Clarion County YMCA is a branch of the Scenic Rivers Association, which includes the Oil City YMCA, Clarion County YMCA, Younger Days Child Care, and Camp Coffman.
Hours
The Clarion County YMCA hours are: Weekdays 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
(Article submitted by Michelle Murray, Marketing & Membership Director, Clarion County YMCA, Oil City YMCA, and YMCA Camp Coffman)
Clarion County YMCA and exploreClarion.com have partnered to provide the community with YMCA News. This is an exclusive article only found on exploreClarion.com.
