University of Mary Washington swimmer Joey Peppersack and former assistant coach Zach Shattuck have both been named to the 2020 U.S. Paralympics Swim Team.
From June 17-19, Peppersack and Shattuck competed at the Paralympic Swimming Trials at the University of Minnesota, in Minneapolis, MN. During the same time span, Paralympic Track and Field and Cycling also held their trials in Minneapolis.
Both qualified for the 10 person men's team. Zach earned his spot in the SB6 100 breaststroke, and will also compete in S6 50 Butterfly, SM6 200 IM and S6, 100 free, and 400 free. Joey earned his spot in S8 100 backstroke. Both may also be in consideration for the 400 medley and 400 free 34 point relays.
After the team was announced on June 20, Zach and Joey joined the rest of the 2021 Paralympic swim team for a team camp June 20-23 at the University of Minnesota. Below is the official team announcement from U.S. Para Swimming.
"I couldn't be more thrilled for Joey and Zach", said UMW head coach Justin Anderson. "I've seen the blood, sweat, tears and sacrifice they put into earning a spot on Team USA for the Tokyo Paralympic Games, and I can't think of two more deserving individuals. Both Zach and Joey just missed out qualifying for the Rio 2016 team, and I've watched the grind the last five years to make sure they made it this go round. They are both proof that hard work pays off. I can' t wait to see what they can do representing the red, white and blue in Tokyo."
Incoming freshman Amanda Sheward of Friends Central School in Wynnewood, PA and Upper Main Line YMCA also competed at Paralympic Trials as well.