April 17, 2017
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State men's and women's swimming will host the third annual Ellen Perry Swim Across America Memorial Event Friday afternoon at McCoy Natatorium with registration starting at 3:30 p.m. and the event starting at 4 p.m. The event unites swimmers of all levels in the fight against cancer featuring a combination of relay and individual straight swims for interested participants, while others can participate as volunteers or simply donate.
Adults and kids who are of non-recruiting age (7th grade and below) are welcome to attend, participate, or simply donate. Interested participants can register or donate at http://swimacrossamerica.org/pennstate2017.
Free food will be available.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Mount Nittany Health Foundation Cancer Treatment Fund. The money will be raised in honor of Ellen Perry, a member of the Penn State Athletics staff from 1966 until her retirement on June 30, 2002. Her distinguished career spanning almost 40 years in teaching, coaching and athletic administration included serving as the Nittany Lions' first women's swimming and diving head coach. Perry passed away in March 2014 after a heroic battle with cancer.
Last year's event raised just more than $5,000. Penn State's varsity men's and women's swimming teams were joined by the club swimming teams for the event, while the varsity women's lacrosse and fencing teams also participated. Additionally, members of the State College community volunteered.