Riversharks Isaac Wilson and Evelyn Lerch to Compete at PA YMCA State Swimming Championships this Weekend at Penn State (03/19/14)

(By Matt Lerch)

The Clarion County YMCA Riversharks competitive swim team is proud to announce that two of its swimmers will be attending PA YMCA State Swimming Championships during the team’s foundational year.  The State Championships will be held at Penn State University’s enormous McCoy Natatorium containing 4 pools.  With over 1,000 swimmers converging on State College for the March 21st-23rd event there will be an extremely high level of intensity.

(Photo by Matt Lerch)
Isaac Wilson – State Meet Qualifier

North Clarion High School’s Isaac Wilson, 15, is competing in his fifth year at states competition.  This year he will race in the 100 yard backstroke.  Wilson has gifts in many different swimming disciplines and has dominated in the Cen-Key league for years.  Now he is competing in the 15-18 year old division.

Wilson is the 23rd seed in the state for his Saturday competition, one of only six 15 year olds competing in the 100 yard backstroke.  As a veteran swimming at this level of competition, Wilson has been training this week in his usual poised manner.

Wilson uses his winter swimming to complement his Cross Country and Track seasons.

Clarion Area Elementary School’s Evelyn Lerch, 10, will be performing at states for the Riversharks in the 50 yard breaststroke.  A breaststroke specialist, Lerch placed 5th at District competition at Youngstown State University on March 9th shaving off 2.5 seconds and successfully knocking off two faster swimmers to claim her spot at states.

(Photo by Matt Lerch)
Evelyn Lerch – State Meet Qualifier

In her third year of competition, she started the season as a 9 year old and will be swimming in the 9 and 10 year old division.  She is one of only three 9 year olds swimming in the event and will be able to compete next year in the same division.  Lerch is the 20th seed in the state in the 50 yard breaststroke.

When she isn’t in the pool she can be found in the net playing goalie for the Clarion River Valley Strikers soccer team and Clarion County YMCA’s massive summer soccer program.

(Thanks to Matt Lerch for the article and photos. Have a great State Meet Evelyn and Isaac!!!!)