The Pioneer Athletic Conference Championship, which kicked off at Upper Merion High School on Friday, offers a host of opportunities for the participants writes Ed Morrone for The Mercury.

Some of the swimmers will be looking to qualify for the District 1 meet, while others will be just trying to improve their times or practice in their off-events.

For Perkiomen Valley head coach Mitchell Zackowski, the conference is not about winning but about improving and having fun.

He said, “Everyone loves to win, but in swimming it’s not always about that. Win or lose, we want them to have fun while improving, which is the biggest accomplishment I can achieve as a coach.”

He added, “What’s exciting about this meet is that all the coaches in the PAC get along well, and the kids enjoy friendly competition amongst one another. There is a great level of support from all the swimmers on the deck, and the cheering for one another fuels kids to swim faster.”

The boys swam on Friday night beginning at 6 p.m. and the girls on Saturday morning at 10 a.m.

The top three swimmers in each event will receive medals and ribbons will be given out for fourth through sixth place.

Read more about Mitchell Zackowski and PAC in The Mercury.

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