Dragon Duo Sign With Mars Hill

LAKE PLACID -- The chance to swim at the collegiate level is something Lake Placid's Michael Wilkes has sacrificed and worked hard for.

Wilkes, a standout swimmer for the Green Dragons for the last three years, made all the work pay off when he signed a scholarship with Mars Hill College on Friday.

Mars Hill is a Division II school, which is located about 20 miles north of Asheville, N. C.

"I've always wanted to swim in college and to accomplish that is a dream come true," said Wilkes. "I visited the campus on spring break and it's up in the hills and is just beautiful, and the coach and the other swimmers made me feel comfortable."

Wilkes, who was Highlands Today's 2007 boys Swimmer of the Year, owns school records in the 50-meter freestyle, the 100 freestyle, 100 butterfly, and the 200 freestyle.

Wilkes made it to state his senior year in the 50 and 100 freestyle events.

"I really enjoyed my high school career and breaking the school record in the 50 free at regionals was a moment I'll always remember," said the 18-year-old LP athlete. "It was great to make it to state, but now it's time to get ready for the next level."

Green Dragon boys swimming coach Thomas Creel thinks Wilkes has what it takes to succeed in college.

"Michael has a lot of ability, but it's his work ethic and attitude that really made him special," said the LP coach. "He will do whatever the coach asks him to do and I think he'll be a great addition to the Mars Hill program."

Mars Hill, which competes in the South Atlantic Conference, has had a very successful girls swimming program for several years, but now the Lions are developing their boys program under the guidance of veteran coach Teddy Guyer, who has signed a number of talented swimmers from across the country to compete in the fall.

"Coach Guyer is a nice guy and he thinks I can contribute in the 50, 100 and 200-freestyle events and in the butterfly," said Wilkes. "I'm going to be working hard over the summer to be ready for the fall.

"But I'm ready to go right now."

For David Moore, who graduated from Lake Placid in 2007 and has been attending South Florida Community College, the chance to swim in college is a dream he thought had passed him by.

"It's quite a surprise," said Moore. "I thought my swimming career was over, but I'm so excited about another opportunity to get back in the water and compete."

Moore, who competed on varsity for four years for the Green Dragons, is strong in the 50 and 100-freestyle events, and as a sophomore, was a member of the 200 freestyle relay squad that still holds the school record.

"I've been swimming a little, but I'm going to have to get in the pool to get in shape for the fall," said Moore. "To get a chance to compete for Mars Hill means a lot to me and after visiting the campus I can't wait to get back up there.

"Coach Guyer said the practices are pretty tough, but after not being able to swim for a year, I won't mind at all."