PICKENS COUNTY — Competing against five other YMCAs, the Pickens County YMCA Piranhas Swim Team won a home swim meet recently at the Pickens YMCA.

“Our swimmers are starting to hit their summer stride,” said Larry McMahan, head coach of the Pickens County Piranhas Swim Team. “They have been swimming for a couple of months now in the summer season, and many of our swimmers are beginning to take significant amounts of time off their events.”

The Pickens home meet was held June 24 and included teams from Anderson, Greenwood, Cherokee and Hartsville YMCAs. Many of the Pickens swimmers improved in at least one of their events, according to McMahan.

“The swim team is starting to work out its mistakes and beginning to focus on what it takes to swim fast,” said McMahan. “Some of our swimmers are starting to achieve their standards that will enable them to attend the YMCA Regional Meet. When a swimmer reaches that standard it is like seeing their face on Christmas Day. They gleam with delight. That makes a coach feel good inside.”

The team had three new swimmers at the meet: Emerie Wilcoxson (12), Mylo Fielder (9), and Micah Lesley (12).

“These new swimmers did well for their first meet,” he said. “As new swimmers they are scared and don’t know what to expect. We try to make new swimmers feel at home from the first day at practice. We always welcome new swimmers to the Pickens Swim Team.”

Helping coach the Piranhas swim team are Rachel Rahn of Liberty, a student at Anderson University, and Anna Phillips of Easley, a student at Presbyterian College. Both are still swimming for the Piranhas at meets. Lindsey McKeever of Easley is helping coach as well.

The Pickens County YMCA Piranhas practice Monday through Friday in the afternoon and accept new swimmers all season long, no matter the level of their swimming ability. Interested swimmers may try a week for free.

For more information, call the YMCA at (864) 878-3436 or visit https://www.pcymca.net/swimteam.php.

Pickens County YMCA Piranhas Swim Team members who contributed to a recent home swim meet win are, front row from the left, Micah Lesley, Isaac Haines, Ethan Yousey, Lucas Goodacre and Will Blakely. In the back row are Eli Rodriguez and Mylo Fielder.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_pickenspiranahs.jpegPickens County YMCA Piranhas Swim Team members who contributed to a recent home swim meet win are, front row from the left, Micah Lesley, Isaac Haines, Ethan Yousey, Lucas Goodacre and Will Blakely. In the back row are Eli Rodriguez and Mylo Fielder. Courtesy photo

Staff Report