Clarion Athletics

Lauren (Murgatroyd) Hasselquist, an outstanding 19-time All-America sprint freestyler and backstroke specialist, came to Clarion in the 1976-77 season as a freshman and led Clarion to two AIAW Division II National Championships and three PSAC titles in three seasons under HOF coach Carol Clay (HOF-1990). In 1977 Lauren helped the Golden Eagles to their first national championship with 7 All-America placings. She was part of the winning 200 medley relay team (pool and national record) , 2^nd place 200 free and 400 medley relays, while individually placing 4^th in the 50 backstroke and 100 backstroke, 6^th in the 200 back and 9^th in the 100 IM. The 200 medley relay team qualified for and swam in the Division I Nationals. Clarion also won PSAC’s and she finaled in the 50, 100 and 200 back and three relays. In 1978 the Golden Eagles again won the AIAW Division II National Championship as she was a 6-time All-American placing 2^nd in the 400 medley and 3^rd in the 200 medley relays, plus a 6^th in the 200 free relay. Individually she was 4^th in the 50 and 100 backstroke and 8^th in the 200 backstroke. Clarion also won the PSAC team title and she finaled in all events. In 1979 Clarion placed 5^th as a team at the AIAW Nationals where Murgatroyd was a 6-time All-American placing 5^th in the 50 back and 7^th in the 100 back, with the 200 medley relay placing third, 200 free relay getting seventh, 400 medley relay finishing 9th and 200 back placing 11^th. Clarion again won the PSAC team title with Lauren getting to the finals in all events. Clarion also won the team title at the International Women’s meet in Ontario, Canada in 1977 and 1978. Team Captain in 1978-79, she did not compete her senior year (1980) due to the responsibilities of her Medical Technology Internship. She held 4 school records including the 50 backstroke (28.42), 200 medley relay (1:53.04), 400 medley relay (4:07.93), and 200 free relay. After college Lauren continued to swim in United States Masters Swimming and in 1989 set 2 World Records in short course 50 and 100 meter backstroke. A native of Phoenixville and 1976 grad of Phoenixville Area, Lauren was a Medical Technologist, Assistant Park Ranger, Swim coach and Kindergarten teacher in her career. She is retired but still swimming. She and husband Arne have two sons Sten and Anders and reside in Hampton, Virginia.