Peters Township swimmers revved up for states
After a Top 10 showing in the WPIAL, Peters Township is revved up for the PIAA swimming championships being held this week, March 14-17 at the Kinney Natatorium at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA.
“We are looking forward to a good meet with good swims,” said skipper Mike Meyers. “The kids are positive and upbeat, and that is a good sign.”
The Indians showed signs of promise for a strong state meet when they fared well in the district.
Though North Allegheny ran away with the boys’ competition, winning its 12th WPIAL Class AAA swimming championship in 13 years with a whopping 440 score, Peters produced a seventh-place showing in the team standings with a 120 score.
Coach Mike Meyers was proud of his team’s showing. “They did great,” he raved. “They all swam awesome.”
During the two-day event held March 1-2 at the University of Pittsburgh’s Trees Pool, the Indians’ Cassidy Sweeney and Stephen Hopta produced the highest individual places among their teams. Each finished in the top four of their respective races and qualified for the PIAA Championships set for March 14-17 at Bucknell University.
While relative opposites regarding experience in the event, Cassidy and Hopta excelled in the 100-yard backstroke.
Cassidy clocked a 57.79. The sophomore placed fourth behind North Allegheny’s Torie Buerger (55.80), Oakland Catholic’s Ellie Tiskus and South Fayette’s Abbie Duncan (57.54).
According to Meyers, Cassidy just started working on the stroke around Christmas and she’s been improving since. “She’s really been bringing down her times,” he said. “We feel good about what she has done and we’re excited to see the times move even further at states.”
Hopta also qualified for states with his backstroke performance. The senior will compete in two races, including the 200 freestyle where he placed third, just like Cassidy, who is also qualified in the 100 butterfly where she finished fourth.
Unlike Cassidy, Hopta came into his race as the defending WPIAL champion. While Hopta clocked a 50.98, Andrew Zhang of NA won the race in 49.28.
“That was a very good event,” Meyers said. “All four, I am sure, are going to be All-Americans when all is said and done.”
All top-four finishers earned consideration times, which will be evaluated with other top times from across the nation later this season. Last year, Hopta earned All-America honors.
Hopta helped the 400 freestyle relay and 200 medley relay qualify for the state championships. The free unit, which finished sixth in the WPIAL, consisted of Garrett Buzzelli, Ryan Rose, and Paul Luniewski. The medley includes Bert Wang, Luniewski and Rose. That team took third in the WPIAL
Meanwhile, Luniewski will also race in the 100 breaststroke. He secured sixth place in the event during the WPIAL championships. The race was won in near-record time by Josh Matheny. The USC freshman won in 54.94, just off the WPIAL record of 54.82.
BP’s Chalus eighth
Candice Chalus had the top showing among Bethel Park swimmers during the WPIAL championships. The senior secured eighth place in the 100-yard breaststroke.
Other top performances for the Hawks included: Sally Hathaway, 14th, 200 free; Maddie Becker, 12th, 50 free; and the 200 free relay team of Hathaway, Brooke Christian, Harley Vincler and Maddie Becker, which took 15th position.