On Friday, April 12, 2024, Upper Moreland seniors Sean Martinez, Paul Spear & Mikalai Yakhimchyk were recognized for committing to continue their swimming careers at the collegiate level.
Sean Martinez – Lycoming College (Swimming)
Major: Accounting
Final list of colleges: Lycoming, Arcadia, Penn State Altoona, Immaculata
Reasons for choosing Lycoming: “It’s a very good school – when I visited, I met a lot of people there, and they were so nice. I feel like going to that school is a very good idea.”
What was the progression that led you to swimming at the collegiate level? “Swimming has been my sport since I was 12 years old, and it was basically my therapy.”
Coach Jess Healy says: “Sean is a freestyle specialist. He has had state level success in the 500 with his club team and is a multi-year medalist in the 200 and 100 at high school districts, and he was an important part of the consolation finalist 200 free and 200 medley relays at PIAA states in 2023. Sean is a diehard swimmer and will do whatever it takes to get to the wall first. I have learned to never count him out of races. We are excited to watch him continue to succeed at the college level.”
About Sean:
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite TV show: Breaking Bad
Favorite artist: Kanye West
Paul Spear – Kutztown University (Swimming)
Major: Sports Management
Final list of colleges: Kutztown, Arcadia, Lycoming, West Chester, St. Joseph’s
Reasons for choosing Kutztown: “It just felt like a well-rounded campus, and it felt really inclusive. The coach is just a great guy.”
What was the progression that led you to swimming at the collegiate level? “At the end of my junior year is when I really started picking up on the sport.”
Coach Jess Healy says: “Paul was out 2023-24 swim and dive MVP. He is incredibly dedicated to the team, works countless hours perfecting his technique and helped to bring out the best in his teammates. Paul is a true utility swimmer. He made district qualification times in almost all of the swim events. We chose 100 back and 500 free, and he ended up bringing home the sixth place meal in the 500. Paul will bring a great attitude and an even better work ethic to his college program.”
About Paul:
Favorite food: Chinese
Favorite TV show: Breaking Bad
Favorite artist: Kanye West
Mikalai Yakhimchyk – Arcadia University (Swimming)
Major: Nursing
Final list of colleges: Arcadia, Drexel, Gwynedd Mercy, Jefferson, Holy Family, Kutztown, Widener
Reasons for choosing Arcadia: “The second I visited the campus – I just really loved it. The school is small, and it felt really comfortable. It felt like the right fit considering all the options I would have in downtown Philadelphia. There was a big difference, and Arcadia just felt like the right choice. Arcadia was one of only three universities where I could continue swimming.”
What was the progression that led to swimming at the collegiate level? “My biggest thing is – I started swimming sophomore year in high school, and by my senior year, I felt I had more left it me, so I could continue to improve, so I wanted to continue. I just fell in love with the sport, so I couldn’t just stop, knowing I had more in me.”
Coach Jess Healy says: “It is really hard to believe that Mikalai only started swimming as a sophomore. We were literally teaching him freestyle flip turns just days before our first meet. He is a dedicated athlete and has come so far in the past year – becoming an integral part of our relays as well as earning individual accolades with a sixth place medal in the 100 breast. With more time to train and opportunity to race, we are so excited to see him continue to succeed in college.”
About Mikalai:
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite movie: Iron Man III
Favorite music: Rap
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