Matt Loch is a competitor in several different events, but the Red Land swimmer makes it clear that his favorite is the 100-yard breaststroke.
Loch is currently No. 7 in the midstate with a 1:03.66 in the 100 breaststroke.
But while that may be his favorite and most prolific stroke, Loch can still win in other events. He has a 2:12.38 in the 200 Individual Medley and a 5:42.40 in the 500 freestyle.
When and how did you start competitive swimming?
My mom was a swimmer and my older sister [Tori] was a swimmer, and I got tirde of sitting through their meets. So I decided to start myself.
Who is your mentor in the sport of swimming?
Probably the Mechanicsburg coach [Greg Bryant] because he was the one who gave me the biggest push and the biggest time drops.
How much time do you spend in practice?
I have about one month off between summer club swimming and winter [high school] swimming. … I spend about two hours if I do one practice. If I do two, about three-and-a-half to four hours.
What is your favorite event?
The breaststroke. That was the stroke I started with. In my first meet, it was the only one I didn't DQ in. It's at the end of the meet in high school, so it's usually pretty important.
Which is more important to you during a meet, your time or your place?
I believe the time, because that's what going to get me through college and qualify me for high school postseason. All of the places you get don't help you medal at Mid-Penns.
What goals do you have for the rest of the season?
I'd like to get a spot in states, and to medal in Mid-Penns.