A year's preparation was put in jeopardy two weeks before the event.

But the 44th annual Pump McLaughlin Invitational went off as scheduled Sunday at the Butler County Family YMCA pool.

“Some pipes burst here two weeks ago,” Butler Y assistant swim coach Corrie Jones said. “We weren't sure if we were going to have the pool.

“But maintenance and the YMCA worked feverishly to get the damage repaired and allow us to use the facility. We're grateful for that.”

Approximately 200 swimmers, ages 5-18, from seven different programs competed in the day-long event. Besides the coaches and YMCA staff, 65 volunteers enlisted to help run the event.

Valerie Dryden has two children on the Butler YMCA swim team — known as the Butler Barracudas — and is vice president of the swim parents organization. She was one of the prime organizers of the Pump Invite.

“There's a lot of work involved, but it's great for the kids to experience a meet like this at the beginning of the season,” Dryden said. “The times posted today count toward districts, too, so some of these kids can qualify for the district meet right away.”

Participating swim clubs joining the Butler Barracudas in the pool Sunday were Indiana, the Rose Schneider YMCA in Cranberry Township, Greensburg, Allegheny Valley, New Castle and Baierl.

Numerous Barracuda swimmers placed among the top three in points accumulated Sunday in their respective gender and age groups. They include:

1st place — Daniel Birch (9-10 boys) and Grace Olshanski (13-14 girls).

2nd place — Adrian Lavorini (9-10 boys), Dashiell Thieme (11-12 boys), Bryce Dryden (13-14 boys), Rachel Birch (11-12 girls), Katelyn Reott (13-14 girls) and Abby Beilstein (15-over girls).

3rd place — Zach Wilson (15-over boys), Morgan Teets (11-12 girls), Lilah Marzolf (13-14 girls) and Claire Lindsey (15-over girls).

The Barracudas have 96 swimmers in their program this season. Max Merhaut, 19, a former Butler Y swimmer, is in his first year as head coach. He spent the previous two years as an assistant at Allegheny Valley.

“I got some experience there and realized how much I love working with kids,” Merhaut said. “An event like this so early in the season helps to build community.

“It also shows the kids where they're at right now in terms of times and gives them an idea on how they can improve.”

Merhaut has five coaches on his staff, including Jones, who also coaches swimming at Knoch.

“A lot of swimmers like to qualify for districts early and get that out of the way,” Jones said. “And some of these kids are already swimming pretty fast.”

The Pump McLaughlin Invitational began years ago as a developmental meet for swimmers age 12 and under. The event has changed and grown over time, recently becoming one of the more competitive meets of the regular season.

The Butler County Family YMCA will serve as host for the 2019 YMCA District Meet at Spire Institute in Geneva, Ohio. There will be 33 teams and more than 1,000 swimmers at that meet, scheduled for March 8-10.

Dryden doesn't mind the time commitment during winter swimming season.

“Swimming is such a great sport,” she said. “It builds discipline, organizational skills and friendships.

“These kids are in the pool every day for practice — and still have to do their homework. There are kids on this team from Butler, Slippery Rick, Deer Lakes, all over ... They all become friends.”

Loni Marzolf, another member of the swim parents organization, has sent children through the program. One of them, Mallory Marzolf, has become a top swimmer at Chatham University.

“These kids are learning a life-long sport, along with responsibility, respect, all of the qualities the YMCA stands for,” Marzolf said. “It's a wonderful thing.”

PUMP McLAUGHLIN INVITATIONAL

Team Standings

Boys: Butler Y Aquatic Club 257 points, New Castle Community YMCA 195, YMCA Indiana Piranhas 85, Rose E. Schneider YMCA 80. Greensburg YMCA Stingrays 45, Avy YMCA Gators 16

Girls: Butler Y Aquatic Club 313, YMCA Indiana Piranhas 186, New Castle Community YMCA 163, Rose E. Schneider YMCA 56, Avy YMCA Gators 8, Greensburg YMCA Stingrays 8, Baierl Family YMCA Sharks 6

Butler YMCA Event Winners

9-10 Boys

Daniel Birch: 50-yard free (31.06), 50-yard butterfly (34.03), 100-yard IM (1:17.12), 50-yard back (36.89), 50-yard breast (40.18)

Adrian Lavorini: 200-yard free (2:31.00), 100-yard free (1:10.80)

13-14 Boys

Ben Borvendeg: 200-yard IM (2:07.82)

Bryce Dryden: 100-yard back (1:02.84)

9-10 Girls

Rachel Smith: 100-yard free (1:15.68)

11-12 Girls

Rachel Birch: 50-yard butterfly (31.20)

Giona Lavorini: 50-yard breast (36.30)

13-14 Girls

Katelyn Reott: 50-yard free (26.73), 100-yard breast (1:20.22)

Grace Olshanski: 200-yard free (2:13.06), 200-yard IM (2:29.63), 100-yard back (1:10.14), 100-yard free (1:00.60)

15-Over Girls

Abby Beilstein: 100-yard butterfly (1:12.18), 100-yard back (1:09.98)