From left to right: Christine Merryman, Pat Gifford, Linda VanOcker, Joan Waldbaum, Richard Merryman and Grace Merryman.

Masters Swim Meet at UMLY celebrates YMCA Spirit

Berwyn, PA – June 19, 2005, More than one hundred swimmers ranging in age from 12 to 85 years turned out at the Upper Main Line YMCA Sunday for the 1st Annual Jeanne and John Merryman Long Course Meters (LCM) Memorial Swim meet.

The proceeds from the meet, which memorializes longtime UMLY members, Jeanne and John Merryman netted more than 2-thousand dollars for the YMCA’s competitive aquatics program.

A highlight of the event was the bench dedication ceremony for the Merrymans. Family and friends eulogized Jeanne who passed away earlier this year. The memorial bench was placed on the YMCA campus for all to use.

Swimming highlights include 5 age group victories each for Tom Flynn, 77 and Joan Waldbaum, 74 both dedicated master’s athletes. And from the just for fun category, a non-sanctioned United States Master’s Swimming event, the 200 Meter Freestyle T-shirt Relay pitted teams against each other in an entertaining display of athleticism.

“The meet was a tremendous success,” according to event director Linda VanOcker. “Thanks to all the swimmers and the 33 volunteers who served as timers, judges, helped with food and check-in and other logistics. We couldn’t have pulled this off without the volunteers.”

With branches at each end of the Conestoga Trail, the YMCA of the Upper Main Line has been serving the community with programs and services to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities since 1962.