CM swimmers back “home” for 2020-21 season

BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP, PA – For reasons of logistics alone, the upcoming season for the Central Mountain swimming season should be better than a year ago. Last season was compromised by COVID-19, the Wildcats’ “home” pool in the Zimmerli Building on the Lock Haven University campus out of use last year. As a result, through the graciousness of the Western Clinton County Recreation Authority in Renovo, the team was able to practice there, but still travel elsewhere for away meets.

So the Wildcat squad will be closer to home as the new season unfolds and second year head coach Scott Bair is quick to thank the Renovo facility for its use a year ago: “We really can’t thank the Renovo Rec Center enough for allowing us to use their facilities last year.  They stepped up to the plate and gave last year’s team a home and an opportunity to continue to do what they love doing.  With that being said, we are enjoying being back at LHU.  We are very appreciative and are already seeing the benefits of training in a standard size pool with all the amenities that go with it.”

Coach Bair is also buoyed by the increased team turnout this season, 17 swimmers, 12 girls and five boys, compared to a squad of 12 last year. And considerable experience is among the 17, per the coach, “ We have nine swimmers returning (Haley Burrows, Chrissy Smith, Eva Jones, Jocelyn Sprout) from last year’s team which also includes five District Qualifiers (Leisher Gugino, Madison Bair, Hannah Brian, Ana Persun, and Autumn Garman)…looking for good leadership from those five talented swimmers this year.  We have four very talented freshmen that will make an immediate impact for our team in Camryn Bair, Abrianna Hosley, Owen Wunder and Jonathan Hughes.” He said Olivia Rockey, Gabe Coakley, Maia Crowell, and Jackson Walker will add some strong depth to the team, noting all four have swimming experience and will score many valuable points for the team.

Last year the girls went 5-4 and sent four girls to Districts.  He said the goal this year is to win at least 80% of their meets and get at least seven district qualifiers; he is also hopeful to get the program’s first district champ and state qualifier.  “I do believe some of our swim records will be broken this year as well.”

With limited numbers the boys’ side, there was only one meet win a year ago. With five swimmers this year, Bair said a .500 record is reasonable, also qualifying two or three for the districts, adding, “ I also believe we will see some records going down with these talented  swimmers and our first district champ and state qualifier.”

There will be four home meets this season. They are Tuesday, Dec. 14; Tuesday, Dec. 21 (Senior Night); Thursday, Jan. 13 and Thursday, Feb. 3.  The coach said spectators are welcome. “We invite the community to come support the Wildcat Swim Team.  All home meets start at 4:30 p.m.at the Zimmerli Pool on the Lock Haven University campus.”