By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Getting to the Great Lakes Zone meet is not an easy task for any swimmer. Just ask Parker Saladin.
The YMCA Gator swim team member will be making his first appearance at the Zone meet this Sunday, March 18, at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. There, Saladin will compete in the 9-10 year-old age group and face some of the best swimmers from other states.
"It feels pretty good," Saladin said about advancing to the meet, "but I know I am going to have to practice really hard before I go."
The zone is made up of YMCA swim teams from Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.
Saladin advanced after placing fifth in the 50 fly at the state meet recently.
Gators swim coach Jacque Clark was very pleased with her young swimmer.
"He always works hard and we're proud of him for getting this far," Clark said.
Saladin has been getting a lot of support from his teammates as well. "They congratulated me and tell me they hope I do well at the Zone meet," Saladin said.
Saladin said he would like to medal at the meet and is going to do everything he can to put on a good performance.