Name: Mace Long
School: Hollidaysburg
Age: 17
Article Photos
Grade: Junior
Sport: Swimming
Athlete of the week achievement: Long set an Altoona Area High School pool record in the 100-yard backstroke, won the 100 butterfly, was part of the winning 200 medley relay and anchored the winning 400 free relay that lifted the Golden Tigers to an 86-84 win over previously-unbeaten Altoona.
Season update: Long holds pool records at Hollidaysburg in the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke. He holds school records in the medley relay, 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke. The Tigers are 8-0.
Coach Deb Solomon's quote: "Mace is a talented swimmer. He's dedicated to improving, and that's become more evident this year, especially for the team. He's done a lot of cross training this year, making him fresher. He's putting in a lot of time in the pool, but he's doing other things to be able to have a more balanced approach this season.''
Favorite teacher: Mrs. Everett, Miss Smiach
Favorite subject: AP U.S. History, French III
Favorite movie: "The Hobbit: An Unxpected Journey''
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite song: "Some Nights'' by Fun.
Outside interests: Cello in regional and district orchestra, trumpet in district jazz band, symphonic and marching band, cross country, USA and YMCA swim team
Favorite pro team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Favorite college team: Penn State
Pro athlete most admired: Ryan Lochte
Best athlete I ever played with: My brother, Colter
Best athlete I ever competed against: State College's Alex Hillsley
Most influential person on my athletic career: My parents, Tim and Jennifer Long, and high school coaches, Deb Solomon and Baron Leonard
Proudest athletic achievement: "Helping my team remain unbeaten on our quest for a league banner by anchoring the 400 relay, coming from behind against Altoona.''
How I got my start in swimming: "When I was 6 months old, my mother took me to water babies class at the Hollidaysburg YMCA.''
Future goal: "I would like to compete in swimming in college and have a dual major in history and music.''
