NEW COMMIT: Cleveland State University has received a new commitment for the 2021-22 season and beyond from versatile Josh Merchbaker of Franklin, Pa.
He told Swimming World:
“I would like to announcement my decision to continue my academic and athletic career at Cleveland State University! I would like to thanks my family, friends, coaches and teammates for molding me into the man and swimmer i am today. GO VIKINGS ?⚪️”
Merchbanker, who does his club swimming with the Franklin YMCA Flyers, most recently competed at the PA YMCA Regional Senior Championships where he collected three gold medals and earned six best times. He also won the 100 fly and 100 back at the YMCA Sectional Championships in February 2020.
His best times include:
- 50 free – 20.85
- 100 free – 46.28
- 200 free – 1:4614
- 100 back – 50.60
- 200 back – 1:54.68
- 100 fly – 49.99
- 100 breast – 57.84
- 200 IM – 1:57.87
Merchbaker attends Cochranton High School but competes for Meadville High School. He placed fifth in the 50 free and 13th in the 100 fly as a senior while taking 10th in the 100 fly and 12th in the 100 back during his junior season at the Pennsylvania 3A State Championships.
Merchbaker will add valuable depth in a range of events when he arrives on campus as a member of the Class of 2025. Under head coach Hannah Burandt, the Vikings finished second overall in the team standings at the 2021 Horizon League Championships.
Photo Courtesy: Josh Merchbaker
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