(By Ryan Pickle ’24, staff writer)
The LVC men’s and women’s swimming teams are preparing to head south for this weekend’s MAC Swimming Championships.
Starting Thursday, Feb. 15, teams will meet at York College’s Graham Aquatic Center to compete in the four-day event. Each day will have two sessions, continuing through Sunday, Feb. 18.
Zack Fischer, a junior competing in six events, will be making his first appearance in individual events at the Championships. Fischer shared his excitement about the upcoming weekend.
“Competing in the MAC Championships as an individual for the time really does feel surreal,” Fischer said. “If you would have asked me two years ago if I thought I’d be here, I’d say you’re crazy.”
LVC is sending nine men’s swimmers along with nine women’s swimmers as the team looks to return to Annville with hardware.
Fischer competed on the LVC baseball team when it won its first conference championship in 20 years. After shifting to swimming his sophomore year, Fischer hopes to utilize his championship experience against some of the top competitors in the conference.
“Having to stop baseball was one of the toughest things I’ve ever needed to decide,” he said. “Taking a leap of faith by going all in with swimming has been very rewarding and it makes me realize that anyone can accomplish anything with dedication and an open mind.”
Fischer has worked hard to get to this point in his athletic career. A person with experience in two sports, he is ready to lead the Dutchmen into the Championships.
“I feel very grateful for this second collegiate athletic opportunity,” he said.
The men’s and women’s teams were picked to finish 10th in the MAC Championships coaches’ poll. Fischer says that the team is looking to prove this poll wrong.
“We aren’t bothered at all by the rankings,” he said. “We’re ready to lock in and give it our all for the final push of the season.”
Fischer will be competing individually in the 100-yard butterfly, 100-yard breaststroke and 200-yard breaststroke. For the relays, he will compete in the 400-yard medley, 200-yard medley and 200-yard freestyle.
Tickets to this weekend’s event must be purchased online in advance of this weekend’s event. The cost for students is $6 and $10 for adults.
Follow Fischer along with the rest of the team as live results and videos will be accessible on the championship central page.