Marlins of Raleigh (MOR) head coach, Paul Silver, and MOR swimmer Justin Ress were selected to represent the United States in the Irish Open Long Course Championship held last week at the National Aquatic Center in Dublin, Ireland. The USA delegation of 26 men, 26 women, and four coaches was selected based on performances at the National Club Swimming Association Junior National Meet held in Orlando in March. Ress’ top finishes included a 2nd in the 200 IM, a 3rd in the 400 IM and a 2nd in the 800 Free Relay. A Senior at Cary High School and one of the nation’s top swimming recruits, Ress will compete for the NC State Wolfpack next year.
“It was a great first international experience for both Justin and myself,” according to coach Silver. “Some swimmers were rested and shaved and others like Justin were not, so I was very proud of the four medals he returned with. It was fun to see the swimmers come together as a team and represent the USA. We were fortunate to get a visit from the Communications Director of the US Embassy in Dublin, which was exciting for the swimmers. It was also exciting to have Swimming World Magazine Editor Jeff Cummings travel with us. He posted reports at www.swiminfo.com and for Swimming World Magazine www.swimmingworldmagazine.com. Monday we toured the country to get a taste of the Irish culture before returning home.”
