Utica Shelby Swim Club Makes Big Splash at State Championship Meet

A dip in a cool pool is more than just a favorite summer pastime for some local kids. Seventeen swimmers represented the Utica Shelby Swim Club (USSC) at the Michigan 14 & Under Long Course State Championship Swim Meet at Eastern Michigan University this weekend.

Athletes from Utica, Shelby Township, Macomb Township and Rochester were among the fastest 600 swimmers in the state competing for top honors. Individual and relay top 16 finishes for USSC were recorded by Savannah Brennan, PJ Desmet, Andrew Fick, Mark Galui, Joe Gazzarato, Jacob Huttenlocher, Amanda Hudson, Michael Hudson, Austin Kinglsey, Ethan Kingsley, Grace Lewis, Bianca Licari, Sofia Pizzo, Colton Richardson and Sean Scott.

Joe Gazzarato, Michael Hudson, Austin Kingsley and Bianca Licari earned spots on Team Michigan, which will compete at the USA Swimming Central Zone Championship in Indianapolis Aug. 5–7.

Head coach Erica Zuercher was very happy with the swimmers’ performances. 

“We had a great weekend at EMU," Zuercher said. "Many personal-best times were achieved as well as numerous Top 16 swims. I am so proud of the way each and every swimmer carried themselves on the pool deck, cheering on their teammates and swimming with a lot of heart!” 

USSC has been an integral part of the community for more than 35 years. The club provides year-round competitive training for young athletes, ages 5-18, as part of Michigan Swimming/USA Swimming.  For more information, go to www.uticashelbyswimclub.com.