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Cleveland State University has picked up a commitment from Josh Merchbaker for its class of 2025. He recently graduated from Cochranton High School and he swims year-round for the Franklin YMCA Flyers. His late mother, Chris, was also a swimmer. In 1988 she was PIAA champion in the 100 backstroke and she was a member of the winning 200 medley relay.
I would like to announcement my decision to continue my academic and athletic career at Cleveland State University! I would like to thanks my family, friends, coaches and teammates for molding me into the man and swimmer i am today. GO VIKINGS 🟢⚪️
The Cleveland State Vikings also shared the news on their Twitter page:
Help us welcome Josh Merchbaker to our #OneTeamOneFamily!!!
🏆Valedictorian
🎖National Honor Society
🏆NTMA Robotics Champ
4️⃣ x YMCA State Champ
🏅YMCA National Qualifier
🏅PIAA State Finalist
🏅Pennsylvania 3A District Record Holder in the 50 freestyle (20.71) pic.twitter.com/cAWv3OEd1O— CSU Swim & Dive (@CSU_SwimDive) May 10, 2021
Merchbaker’s high school did not have a swim team, so he competed with Meadville High School’s team. He qualified for the Pennsylvania 3A Boys State Championships his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons. Sophomore year, he swam the 200 IM and 100 back, finishing 32nd and 24th, respectively. Additionally, she competed on Meadville’s 200 medley and 400 free relays.
The following year, he swam the 100 fly and back, as well as the 200 medley relay. He finished 12th in the 100 back and picked up a spot in the B-final of the 100 fly. He touched 10th in finals and went personal best times in both of his individual events.
He ended his high school career by swimming the 50 free and 100 fly at the state championships. He was 5th in the 50 free, touching at 20.85, and 13th in the 100 fly (51.55). He led off the 200 medley relay in a best time of 23.10.
Top SCY Times:
- 50 free – 20.85
- 100 free – 46.28
- 200 free – 1:46.14
- 100 back – 50.60
- 100 fly – 49.99
Merchbaker will join the 2021 Horizon League runners-up in the fall of 2021. His top times would have earned him a spot in the B-finals of the 100 fly and 100 back. During the 2020-2021 season, Merchbaker would have been the Vikings’ fourth-fastest 50 and 100 freestyler, making him a likely candidate relays.
Merchbaker will be joining Virginia HS 500 free champion Jackson Nester as a member of the Vikings’ class of 2025.
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