TWIM Shines in the California Sun

What could be better than spending four days swimming with friends and making memories at the 2019 Summer Nationals in Mission Viejo, California? Southern California put on quite a show with perfect 82-degree sunny days, creating a perfect stage for our three TWIMmers to perform! PSM fielded only 16 swimmers, compared to the Oregon juggernaut of 27, but still came away with 3rd place in the regional teams point category.

The women’s team was small with only four swimmers, half of those being from TWIM. Erin McPeak and Holly Lickwala did not disappoint. Erin scored an impressive 24 points with 1st in the 200 fly (negative splitting her race on the way to the win), 3rd in the 400 IM and 6th in the 100 fly. Not only was she the NATIONAL CHAMPION in the 200 fly, she also set a NEW PNA RECORD, besting the previous record by .38, held since 2001! Erin was also part of two relays placing 6th and 8th. Quite an impressive weekend for this powerhouse!

This is what Erin had to say about the meet:

“This was my first Master’s Nationals meet and I was super nervous, but my nerves quickly settled during the 400 IM. I had a fantastic time because I was able to catch up with my fellow swimming friends (Holly and Brent). The meet ignited a desire to race more 200 butterflies and train this next season focusing on that race. It was so nice to see Corey, Holly, Brent, and April before and after all of my races. There was such a strong support present at the meet and from my TWIM family. Having that support truly helps me to swim faster!!! “

Brent also participated in his first National Championships swimming the 50 breast (16th place), 100 breast (13th place) and 200 breast (13th place). He bested his time in both the 50 and 100 breast making improvements on his technique through every swim. He was also part of one relay swimming, you guessed it, the breaststroke leg! Brent felt this was a great experience which included making a lot of new friends and to encourage him to continue to work hard. Way to go, Brent.

Thank you to coach April Cheadle and assistant coach Sarah Welch for the tremendous support throughout the meet. Also, to Mission Viejo for hosting such a fabulous event.

Holly continued with the family theme of swimming the 50 breast (4th place), 100 breast (5th place) and the 200 breast (5th place). She also swam the 100 free (8th place) on her way to scoring 22 points for the team. She also contributed to three relay swims as the backstroker for both the women’s and mixed medley relays. Holly was taken aback by all of the support they received from our TWIM teammates back home. “We definitely belong to the best team out there!” Even coach April was impressed by the support from afar.