CLINTON — The Clinton YMCA Otters swim team sent 28 swimmers to state competition this year, Mar. 11-13.

“If it’s not the most, it’s close to being the most (to ever go to state),” the Otters’ Darren Moser told the Journal before the meet.

This year’s was held at Lake Central High School, in St. John, Ind., southwest of Gary.

The Otters sent swimmers from age 7 through high school.

“A lot of relays,” Moser said.  “That’s kind of the best way to make state is through relays.”

Moser wasn’t saying they were easier but it worked as a way to introduce young swimmers to competition.

“A lot more than individual events,” he said.

Moser’s son Drew qualified for 11 individual events. 

“He had to pick six, so probably the ones he qualified in most.”

Moser said Clinton would be well represented at the meet. 

“Two years ago, there were 64 YMCAs in the state that competed,” he said.  “Through COVID, there have been 32 YMCAs that closed or canceled their programming.”

That leaves 32 current YMCA swim teams competing.

“Clinton will be the smallest large team in the large team division.”

This pitted Clinton against teams from Springfield, Champaign and Chicago.

Aquatics director Bonnie Taylo is coach of the younger swimmers, and Tracy Karr is head coach.

The Clinton Journal will publish the meet results as soon as they are available.