Former teammates reunite at college level

BY KEVIN WOODRUFF

A pair of former high school swimming teammates have reunited at the college level and are both competing forMarywoodUniversity’s burgeoning program.

Heather Wimmer, 18, of Brackney, and Chelsea Karabin, 18, of Meshoppen, who both competed on theElkLakegirls’ swimming team last year as seniors, are now at the next level swimming for Marywood’s second year program.

Wimmer, a Montrose graduate, said that she walked on this fall at Marywood hoping to dive for the Pacers, however, has decided to add swimming to her repertoire

She is currently competing in the 500 freestyle, 200 freestyle, 200 free relay, 100 freestyle and 1,000 freestyle.

Last year was Wimmer’s first foray into competitive swimming, however, she has a vast amount of experience in the water, having been a synchronized swimmer since she was four years old.

“I knew that I wanted to swim in college,” Wimmer said. “So I came to the practices and ended up making the team.”

Wimmer said given that she was a Montrose student and Karabin was anElkLakestudent, they weren’t close friends but have developed a friendship from being teammates.

“It’s nice having a former teammate on your team,” Karabin said. “You can talk about last year.”

Wimmer’s favorite event to compete in is the 500 freestyle, and she said she’s looking to keep shaving seconds off her time this season.

“It’s really exciting to be able to swim at the college level,” Wimmer said. “And I’m hoping I can keep dropping time in the 500.”

As a team, Wimmer said the Pacers are looking to make a name for themselves and get as many swimmers into the Landmark Conference Championships as possible.

“It’s pretty exciting to be a part of a new program,” Wimmer said.

And Wimmer is devoting plenty of her free time to the Pace team, with two-hour practices six days per week.

The psychology major said that at first it was challenging to get used to balancing school work and swimming, but she has since gotten used to it.

“It’s challenging, but you get used to it,” Wimmer said.

Karabin, also a freshman, and a physical activity major, is currently competing in the 200 medley relay, 200 free relay, 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle,

In the Pacers’ last meet against Cazenovia on Nov. 30, Karabin helped the 200 medley relay team take first place at 2:03.09, took a first place in the 50 free at 27.74 and placed second in the 100 free at 1:03.37. Wimmer took first place in diving against Cazenovia with an 80.30.

To follow Wimmer and Karabin’s progress at Marywood, visit www.mupacers.com.