Cortopassi ready to deliver for Bethel Park
Dom Cortopassi of Bethel Park tried it all.
“When I was little, I tried every sport in the book,” he said. “I was too little, or to small, for football and when I played baseball, I couldn’t see the ball because they didn’t now I needed glasses.”
Then he was finally introduced to a sport that stuck.
“When my mom suggested swimming it really stuck,” said the 17-year-old son of Renee and Bob Cortopassi. “It wasn’t as demanding back then as it is right now but since I’ve grown up, I swim every day. I’m used to it.
“I love it. I like practicing. I like my competition. I like the friends I have made and the good people I have met not to mention the rivalries I have developed with other swimmers.”
After a sensational junior year, there are plenty of foes lining up to challenge Cortopassi especially in his signature swims: the 100-yard backstroke and butterfly.
Last year, Cortopassi captured bronze medals in both races at the WPIAL Class AAA championships.
In the backstroke, he clocked a 50.52 for third place. The top two finishers from last year have since graduated and Cortopassi was .48 off the silver medal paces set by Canon-McMillan’s Max Orlowski.
In the fly, he posted a 50.89 mark for third place. The champion David Bocci has matriculated to college
Meanwhile Ganesh Sivaramakrishnan from Upper St. Clair remains. He is the favorite in the event as he was the silver medalist with a 50.03 time. Sivaramakrishnan also is a threat in the backstroke as he finished fourth in last year’s finals with a 50.69 time. He was third in both events at the PIAA championships.
Cortopassi is also expected to lead off BP’s 200-medley relay and anchor the 400-free relay. The Black Hawks placed eighth in the 200-medley relay and fourth in the 400-free relay at the 2021 WPIAL championships.
“Dom is versatile in each stroke but he does what is best for the team,” said BP coach Dave Kutrufis. “Whatever he swims individually, we expect him to do well and he’ll help his team in two relays.
“Dom has the opportunity to rank up there with the best,” Kutrufis continued. “He’s a great kid, works hard, comes to practice every day. In swimming when you put the work in, then good things happen.”
Cortopassi earned a scholarship to Clarion University, where he plans to pursue a career in nursing.
“Dom will do fantastic there,” Kutrufis said. “He has an opportunity to be part of something special up there.”
With his college decision behind him, Cortopassi is prepared to do exceptional things this winter, including qualifying for the PIAA championships. Last year, Cortopassi finished eighth in the fly and 10th in the back at states.
“Now that I’m signed off and settled on a college, I just want to get after it,” he said.
Since his freshman year, Cortopassi has been motivated. He remembered swimming alongside Paul Kallaur, who is now on the Westminster College men’s team.
“(Paul) really inspired me to get after it,” Cortopassi said. “He was a good swimmer but he never really got what he wanted and that really made me feel like I want to get this. All I can do is work harder.”
As a team captain, Cortopassi is the team’s motivator.
Even-keel in temperament, Cortopassi said he is seldom provoked.
“I keep myself chill all the time. Unless my teammates are not trying or messing around, then I’ll get mad.” he said. “I do take this seriously. I want us to be a big family so I try to include everyone. I like my team this year and we are all just working hard.”
Cortopassi said he is looking forward to returning to states and for section meets with rivals Upper St. Clair, Peters Township and Mt. Lebanon as well as the WPIAL championships set for March 3-4.
“I’m looking forward to the WPIAL finals but I’m also sad in a way because it is ending,” he said. “With COVID, it all went so fast. But I am happy and excited for my future. Don’t get me wrong, I want to win but we’ll see what happens. All I can say is, we’ll just have to wait and see how it goes.
“All I know and it’s the lesson that I have learned from swimming is that you have to step up,” he added. “You gotta be the big guy around town. Step up for your team and yourself especially. You can’t let people get into you head. Do the best you can. When the time comes, I think I can deliver.”
Age: 17
Parents: Renee Laurie and Bob
Siblings: Ginger Cummings, Gregory Lang
School: Bethel Park
Year: Senior
Sport: Swimming
College: Clarion
Career choice: Nursing
Why nursing: It doesn’t have anything to do with COVID. I am laid back. I can handle the gross things. the doctors and nurses in hospitals. I’m fine with it all. I can talk to people too. I can tell them what they need.
Color: Color: Purple
Food: Chicken
Book: Captain Underpants Series