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The Jamestown Community College swim team tapped into the local talent pool by signing Gowanda product Christian Merrill to join its men’s swimming and diving team. Merrill finished third in the 100-yard backstroke and fifth in the 200-yard individual medley in the Section VI Class C championships while swimming for the Eden team. The incoming freshman will be part of the JCC welding program. “I chose JCC because it had a great program for swimming and welding. I’m excited to further my education and learn as much as possible,” he said. Jamestown CC’s men’s team is coming off of a third-place finish in nationals. The squad graduates all four of its national participants, leaving a void Christian looks to fill. “I’m looking forward to breaking my records and getting in better shape. There is a lot of excitement about joining the team. I have the opportunity to strive to be a great swimmer alongside a great swim team,” he said. Merrill was all smiles during his signing and became the most excited when talking about the possibility of giving head coach Todd Conklin his first men’s national title. Conklin also coaches the Jamestown CC women’s team, which is coming off of a national championship of its own.