Two Springfield Swimmers Win with Summit Swimming Team

Two young Springfield swimmers recently brought home some medals and good memories with their participation with the Summit Area YMCA Seals.

Ian Ellmer, 12, and his younger sister, Kendall, were both feted for their efforts with the team. Ian was named Most Outstanding Swimmer in the 11-12 age group, while Kendall became the youngest Seal to complete all 18 events before her 12th birthday.

The two Ellmer children, who swim for the Springfield Community Pool during the summer, received their citations last week at an annual banquet held at the Summit Hotel.

Their dad, Michael Ellmer, glowed with pride.

"It's a lot of fun. It's a great group of people," Michael said about the parents and coaches who oversee the swim team. "You develop a lot of friendships. We enjoy it."

Both Ellmer children, who are students at St. James the Apostle School in Springfield, have been taking swimming lessons for years, their father said. They participate in their hometown pool's swimming events - the Springfield Community Pool - during the summer.

When September comes, they are part of the Summit YMCA Seals group and swim competitively with other teams in the area.

Both kids have been members of the Seals for four years, Michael said.

It's truly a family affair, their dad said: Mother Christine is involved as an official at the meets.

"She's very hardcore," Michael laughed.

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