By Staff
NILES – The Niles YMCA Mariners swim team has a new record holder.
Tyler Alexander, son of Stephanie and Greg Snodgrass of Buchanan, set a new record in the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 5:30.66.
Alexander has also qualified for the state meet in March in the same event.
He began his swimming career with fitness in mind. Alexander began to swim to lose weight. He always enjoyed water, so the pool attracted him as just another piece of fitness equipment.
Alexander was a natural in the competitive surroundings of the swim team and trained hard to become one of the top 10 swimmers in his age group for the last three years.
Top 10 in terms of team history, that is.
The team began in 1961 when the former location of the YMCA, 315 W. Main St., was built. Since that time, a list has been archived of each event in each age group for both boys and girls.
The list consists of the top 10 swimmers in each event. Alexander is in the top 10 in seven of eight events for boys' 13 and 14 years old. His also appears in the top 10 in six events for boys' 15 and over.
In addition to qualifying in the 500 freestyle this coming March, he has also qualified in the 200-yard, 100-yard and 50-yard freestyle, as well as the 200-yard individual medley, the 100 breaststroke and 100 butterfly.
His talents not only range from sprint to distance freestyle events, but the whole range of competitive strokes.
Alexander is currently swimming on the co-op high school team in Bridgman.
He was elected team captain by his teammates and has hopes of qualifying for the high school state meet.
Matt Bizoe of Niles, as well as John Backus, Adam Galaske Austin Dykstra of Buchanan joins Alexander on the high school team.