Nittany Lions break three McCoy Natatorium pool records
LION CAREER 2011-12: Competed in nine events as a sophomore, seeing the most action in the 100 back and the 200 back...Participated in three events at the 2012 Big Ten Championships, recording personal best times in the 100 back (48.65 - C Final), the 200 back (1:45.05 - B Final) and the 200 IM (1:48.50 - C Final)...Won the B Final in the 200 back with a time of 1:48.46 at the Ohio State Invitational (12/2/11).
2010-11: Competed in the Big Ten Championships in four events...Placed 30th in the preliminaries for 100 breaststroke with a time of 49.63 at the Big Ten Championships...Notched an NCAA B cut in the 200 backstroke with a time of 1:45.98 for 13th place at the Big Ten Championships... Had a season-best time with a 1:45.25 showing at the Last Chance Meet... Placed 40th in the preliminaries for 100 butterfly at the Big Ten Championships with a time of 50.43...Finished third in the 200 freestyle against St. Bonaventure with a time of 1:45.79...Helped his team place fifth in the 200 freestyle relay against Maryland and Pittsburgh with a time of 1:26.07 (1/14/11).
HIGH SCHOOL
Won two team Inter-AC Championships under the coaching of Paul Hornsleth and Jay Schiller...Named All-Inter-AC and All-American...Fourtime letterwinner in swimming...Earned First Honors in academics...Fivetime YMCA National Champion for Upper Main Line YMCA club team coached by Glenn Neufeld...Holds three Long Course YMCA national records... Qualified for Junior Nationals.
PERSONAL
Thomas John Mershon was born on May 27, 1992 in Philadelphia, Pa. to John and Janie Mershon...Has a sister, Hollie, who plays basketball at Drexel, and a brother, John, who played football for Ithaca College.
ON CHOOSING PENN STATE
"I chose Penn State for the opportunities the university offers. Penn State's pride in academics and athletics is something to behold and impressed me greatly."
