Somerset County YMCA Swim Teams performed admirably at the 2017 YMCA Long Course National Championship in Greensboro, NC, with Somerset Valley YMCA Swim Team earning first place and Somerset Hills YMCA Swim Team finishing in 11th place in the combined team results.
Thirty-nine swimmers from the Somerset Valley YMCA Swim Team, and 20 swimmers from the Somerset Hills YMCA Swim Team competed against 105 teams from across the nation in the week-long event from July 31 through August 4. Both Somerset Valley YMCA and Somerset Hills YMCA are branches of the Somerset County YMCA.
As a charitable organization, Somerset County YMCA is focused on youth development and seeks to nurture the potential of all children and teens. The Y’s nationally acclaimed swim teams help kids to develop their endurance, skill, physical ability and mental stamina through a supportive and wholesome social outlet that encourages excellence, teamwork and camaraderie.
“Every one of our swimmers worked incredibly hard to make it to the YMCA Nationals,” said David M. Carcieri, president and CEO of Somerset County YMCA. “Whether it was a swimmer who went to the championship for the first time, or a seasoned competitor who had been there before, it was inspirational to witness the self-confidence and sportsmanship on display.”
The women’s and men’s 800m Freestyle events on the final day were decisive for Somerset Valley YMCA Swim Team’s overall first place score. Three women finished in the top-16 and two men finished in the top-8. The women were led by Megan Bull (Senior – Hillsborough, NJ) who finished fourth, while Riley Pestorius (Senior – Bridgewater, NJ) and Matt Fallon (Eighth Grade – Warren, NJ) finished second and third, respectively. Pestorius also won an individual YMCA National Title in the 1500m Freestyle, while Fallon took a YMCA National Title in the 400m Individual Medley.
“This was a true team effort, with 15 different Somerset Valley YMCA athletes from three different practice groups contributing to the team score, as well as 39 athletes swimming well to keep our energy high all week long,” said Dan Roth, head swim coach at Somerset Valley YMCA. “Our team chemistry could not have been better and I credit our senior class for helping to build that environment. We are proud to represent the many Somerset Valley YMCA athletes, families and alums who supported us every step of the way. We have something very special at our Y and we look forward to continuing to raise the bar in the fall.”
The week’s most notable highlight for Somerset Hills YMCA Swim Team was winning first place in the men’s 200m Medley Relay. The team included Jack Alexy (Eighth grade – Mendham, NJ), Sean Foster (Senior – Lebanon, NJ), Lukas Scheidl (Sophomore – Mendham, NJ) and Ryan Carkhuff (Junior – Mendham, NJ). The combined men’s and women’s teams had a total of nine first-time Long Course National qualifiers, with each of them qualifying in more than one event.
“What we were able to achieve with only 20 athletes was simply amazing,” said Lori Riegler, director of competitive aquatics at Somerset Hills YMCA. “We are incredibly proud of what our athletes accomplished this summer and we are very excited for the future of Somerset Hills YMCA Swim Team.”
Somerset County YMCA Swim Teams have over 600 swimmers who practice at Bridgewater, Hillsborough, Somerville and Somerset Hills YMCAs. The teams are led by ASCA and USA Swimming certified professional swim coaches and compete year-round in YMCA and USA-sanctioned meets.
For more information about Somerset Valley YMCA Swim Team or Somerset Hills YMCA Swim Team, including tryout dates, visit us at www.somersetcountyymca.org.
About Somerset County YMCA
The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. At Somerset County YMCA, we believe everyone, regardless of age, income or background, should have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. For information about Somerset County YMCA and financial assistance, visit us at www.somersetcountyymca.org
Press Release courtesy of Somerset County YMCA.
