South Fayette’s Mahoney dives to silver in WPIAL Class AA
Trevor Mahoney swims as a favor to his team. The South Fayette senior dives for his own pleasure.
“I don’t really like to swim, but it helps out the team,” he said. “They asked me to do it.”
After attending a clinic in sixth grade, Mahoney asked if he could dive. He has been a success ever since. In fact, he has already broken the records set by two-time WPIAL champion Stephen Zombek, who is also from South Fayette. Mahoney shattered the six-dive record for the team and for the pool at York Central.
Though only a sophomore, Mahoney also finished runner-up in the district. During last week’s WPIAL Class AA championships held at Moon, the sophomore secured silver with 427.65 points. He finished behind Braden Carei. The Uniontown senior scored 461 points for first place.
“I was hoping for Top 3,” said Mahoney. “I knew it would be tough and a close meet.”
Indeed, for Mahoney narrowly earned the silver medal as Knoch’s Ben Lowery scored 424.20 for third place.
Mahoney said that he was pleased with his front, two-and-one-half tuck. That is his favorite and best dive. He noted that he needed to work on his back and reverse one-and-one-half dives if he is to be successful at the state level. Mahoney is one of five divers qualified for the PIAA Class AA championships set for March 11-14 at Bucknell University.
“I’m hoping to make the finals,” he said. “I’d like to finish in the Top 10 at states.”
With two years of high school diving remaining, Mahoney aspires to be a champion like Zombeck. He is friends with the Zombek family, including Maddie. She finished 10th in the WPIAL AA girls’ competition.
“[The Zombek brothers] have been a big inspiration to me. Through diving, I have become close to them, their sister and their whole family.”
In addition to training with the South Fayette swim team, Mahoney also belongs to the South Park diving club.
“It helps a lot,” said Mahoney of the extra practice. “I am pleased with my progress. Next year, I definitely want to win the WPIAL title. That is my goal.”