READING, Pa. - To say that Albright College swimmer Chris Sheerer had a breakout year would be an understatement. As the men’s program’s first NCAA qualifier and holder of multiple pool and program records, the junior from Leola, Pa., made a splash both in and out of the pool in 2010.
Looking back at the 2009–10 regular season, Sheerer was without a doubt one of the fiercest competitors in the Middle Atlantic Conference. Guiding his team to an 8–2 record overall, Sheerer was dynamic in his four major events, the 100 and 200 backstroke and the 200 and 400 individual medley (IM).
Throughout the season, Sheerer swam away with victories every time he dove into the water. However, it was at the conference championship that Sheerer truly established himself as one of the greatest Albright College swimmers of all time.
During the three-day meet, Sheerer accomplished something never before seen in the history of the men’s swim program, as he claimed four NCAA “B” cuts. His unstoppable determination in the water shattered program, pool and conference meet records as well.
This standout performance set the stage for what became a long three weeks for the swimmer, as teams from all over the country competed in their respective conference meets. Every day Sheerer and his coaches would check—and then double check and triple check—the standings to see if he had Sheerer earned a place at this year’s national meet.
It was not until the first Friday in March, after nearly a month of waiting, that Sheerer and his coaches received the great news that they were going to Minnesota. With that announcement, Sheerer etched his name into the history books, becoming the first male Albright swimmer to qualify for nationals.
With the waiting over, Sheerer hit the water even more determined than before. Head Coach John Stuhltrager and Assistant Coach Cindy Barner pushed him to the limit, knowing that he would have to be at his best come March 17, when the meet officially began.
After his final day of preparation, Sheerer and his coaches packed their bags and flew to Minnesota to take on the best of the best in Division III swimming.
At nationals, Sheerer competed in the 200 IM, the 100 backstroke and the 200 backstroke. Each day ran approximately 10 to 12 hours, with the swimmers reporting to the pool by 6 a.m. for warm-ups, stretch and preparation. The prelims got started around 10 a.m., with the finals completed later in the day.
On the first day of the meet, Sheerer placed 32nd out of 45 in the prelims of the 200 IM. After a day of rest, he returned to the pool to take part in the 100 backstroke prelims, placing 27th out of 35 swimmers. In his final day of competition, Sheerer gave it everything he had and placed 39th out of 42 swimmers in the 200 backstroke prelims.
Even though he did not qualify for the finals in his three events, Sheerer flew home from Minnesota knowing that he will be back in 2011 as a more experienced and even more determined senior.
One thing is certain: Sheerer and his Lion teammates will be on the hunt next season, and it’s doubtful that any team in the Middle Atlantic Conference or Division III will be able to stop them from reaching their goals.
To read about Chris’ experience at the NCAA national competition go to the men’s swim page on AlbrightAthletics.com and click on “Keeping Up With Chris” in the top right corner of the page