NAC Athletes Tackle International Competition

Elena Escalas tackled international competition during a recent trip to Spain to compete in the Spanish Junior National Championships.  Elena, whose father is from Spain and was a two-time NCAA champion in the mile while swimming at UCLA, continued her father's tradition and made a splash on the Spanish Junior scene.

 

Prior to her arrival at the Spanish Junior National meet, Elena took part in the Balearic Island Championships.  Athe Island Championships, Elena won all of the breaststroke races, and carried her momentum on to the National meet.  Competing in 4 events - the 50, 100, 200 breaststrokes and the 200IM, Elena took home a total of seven medals, six gold and one bronze.  Overall, Elena finished in 8th place in the 50, 18th place in the 100, and 14th place in the 200.  Elena also set the Balearic Island Junior record in the 50 breaststroke at the Spanish Junior championships.

 

Matt McPherson was recently selected as a member of the United States Pan American Maccabi Games team which will compete in Sao Paulo, Brazil.  The Games run from December 26th, 2011 - January 2, 2012.

 

Maccabi USA endeavors, through sports, to perpetuate and preserve the American Jewish community by encouraging Jewish pride, strengthening Jewish bonds and by creating a heightened awareness of Israel and Jewish identity. The volunteer organization seeks to enrich the lives of Jewish youth in the United States, Israel and the Diaspora through athletic, cultural and educational programs.

 

Congratulations to Elena and Matt!