Canon-McMillan getting into the swim of things
At Canon-McMillan, they are truly getting into the swim of things.
For the first time in the eight years that Lee Burnsworth has coached the Big Macs, they enter the WPIAL championships on a record note – Canon-Mac has qualified for all six relays.
“This is the first time in a long time. This is the first time I have seen this at Canon-Mac,” said Burnsworth.
“We are looking forward to our WPIAL swims,” she added enthusiastically. “I am very proud of our team. We’ve had a very successful year.”
Not only have the Big Macs increased the number of entrants for the championships set for Feb. 20-21 at the University of Pittsburgh’s Trees Pool, they have produced positive numbers in dual meet competition. The girls posted an 8-5 record during the regular season while the boys finished 9-4 overall.
“Last year, we had a young team,” Burnsworth said, noting the 2013-14 squad boasted only two seniors. “This year, we gained a large group of freshmen that have immensely added to our group of athletes.”
This week, four C-M swimmers return to the championships. Four more are first-time participants in individual events.
Desiree Kline and Jena Wybranowski qualified for the diving portion of the meet. That competition was held Feb. 16 at North Allegheny. (See related article.) Kline is a two-year WPIAL qualifier while Wybranowski made her first trip to the finals.
Captain Brittany Byer leads the female contingent into the water. The junior is qualified in the 100- and 200-yard freestyle races. Senior Samantha Orlowski will compete in the 100 butterfly while freshman Emily Georgetti will race in the 100 breaststroke.
Individually, Turner Gill, Jacob Viviano and Cody Stewart qualified on the boys’ side. Viviano and Stewart are first-time WPIAL qualifiers. A sophomore, Gill is entered in the 50 and 100 free events. A junior, Viviano will swim the 100 butterfly and backstroke. Stewart will also participate in the 100 fly. Plus, the freshman will compete in the 500 free.
A team captain, Parker Roach leads the contingent of C-M males comprising the relay units. Sean Herman, Ross Barber, Kenneth Sible and Austin Harrity are also relay members.
A captain as well, Rachael Paquin will help power the Lady Macs’ relays. Others comprising those units will be Maria Montouro, Courtney Buchanan, Ryann Stewart, Emily Sulc and Harley Steele.