Name: Mace Long
School: Hollidaysburg
Age: 15
Grade: Freshman
Sport: Swimming
Athlete of the week achievement: Won District 6-AAA titles in the 100 butterfly and the 100 backstroke which qualified him for the PIAA state competition at Bucknell University. He set school records in both events.
Season update: Undefeated in the 100 backstroke and 100 butterfly this season. His personal best in the backstroke was a 53.93 and in the butterfly a 54.82.
Coach Deb Solomon's quote: What he achieved [this past weekend] was amazing. He was swimming against sophomores, juniors and seniors, kids who had been to states before. To really win with such decisive times was just phenomenal for him. He was so excited to qualify. It was great."
Favorite teacher: Mr. Laird and Mr. Tinker
Favorite subject: Band and biology
Favorite movie: "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King"
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite song: "Master of Puppets" by Metallica
Outside interests: Senior and junior high marching band, jazz band, philharmonic band, orchestra, YMCA and USA swim team
Favorite professional team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Favorite college team: Penn State
Pro athlete most admired: Aaron Peirsol
Best athlete I ever played with: Luke Roberts
Best athlete I ever competed against: Drake Dodson
Most influential person on my athletic career: My coaches and my mom
Proudest athletic achievement: Winning two gold medals at districts as a freshman.
How I got my start in swimming: When I was 6 months old, my mother signed me up for water babies at the Hollidaysburg YMCA.
Future goal: Go to college and become a marine biologist and swim at the Division I level.
