Swimming
Shaler swimmers set big goals for postseason meets
February 16, 2025
Grace Melocchi has been swimming year-round since she was little. One of the long-term goals of the Shaler senior swimmer surfaced when she made it to middle school. With Melocchi’s form in the pool, a coach mentioned that she would have a realistic shot at setting the school’s record in the 100 breaststroke.
1st-year Penn Hills diver qualifies for WPIAL meet
Mikael Epperson had to retrain his thought process if he was going to become an effective diver for the Penn Hills swim team. The Indians sophomore chose to come out for swimming for the first time this year after previously competing in track and field.
Gateway swimmers prepare for WPIAL championship meet
Gateway swimming and diving coach Glenn Raymer took a step back last Wednesday at the start of his team’s afternoon practice and marveled at how fast the season has gone from the start of preseason workouts in late November.
North Hills swimming duo making splash in and out of pool
February 15, 2025
In the water, North Hills swimmers Conor Greer and Alex Alder have accomplished a lot for themselves this year. But it’s what the duo has done outside of the pool that will have a bigger impact.
Westmoreland County Senior Spotlight: Mt. Pleasant’s Seth Painter
February 10, 2025
Mt. Pleasant’s swimming program, both boys and girls, long has been regarded as one of the best in Class 2A, if not the entire WPIAL.
Penn Hills swimmer puts in work in pursuit of goals
February 8, 2025
Penn Hills junior swimmer Sydney Smith doesn’t want to take her mind off what she is working toward. Smith has inched closer to earning a berth in the WPIAL Class 3A championships in the 100 breaststroke.
Norwin notebook: Sophomore sets school record at WCCA swim meet
Norwin sophomore swimmer Amber Klingensmith came home from her first trip to the Westmoreland County Coaches Association Championships with more than a good story to tell.
Latrobe swimmers speeding toward championship meets
February 3, 2025
When Latrobe swimming coach Grey Arrigonie was asked about the times for his swimmers last year, he offered up the following response:
Quaker Valley swimmers continue section success ahead of postseason meets
February 2, 2025
Quaker Valley’s girls swim team improved to 4-0 in Section 2-2A thanks to recent dominating wins against Riverside and Blackhawk.
Quaker Valley notebook: Former Quakers swimmer lends expertise as coach
January 26, 2025
Did you know that Matt Kwalick, a Quaker Valley assistant swim coach, competed for the Quakers swim team when he was a high school student?
Kiski Area swimmers excited for ‘measuring stick’ of WCCA championship
January 23, 2025
A trio of Kiski Area individual swimmers and one relay team have the biggest targets on their backs as top seeds for Saturday’s Westmoreland County Coaches Association championships at Derry.
Small but mighty Quaker Valley swimmers off to fast start
January 19, 2025
The Quaker Valley boys swim team has just seven competitors, including three from neighboring Sewickley Academy.
Small Hampton swimming roster out to make big splash in postseason
January 18, 2025
The Hampton girls swimming team is counting on quality over quantity this season.
Fox Chapel notebook: Swimmers setting pool records
The Fox Chapel swim team is full of athletes who are seeking an opportunity to put themselves in the best position to do well at the WPIAL and PIAA Class 3A championships. To that end, the Foxes have seen a number of pool records fall this season.
Pine-Richland swimmers working hard to reach goals
When asked what his expectations were for his Pine-Richland swimming team this season, coach Pete Barry said, “We don’t want to call them expectations. Setting expectations that are too high sets you up for a big fall.”
After strong 1st season, Gateway swimmer Aliya Rassiane looks to maintain momentum
January 12, 2025
Aliya Rassiane packed a lot of positive results into her first varsity season with the Gateway swim team.
Westmoreland Athletes of the Week: Latrobe’s Lauren Bell and Norwin’s Landon Sidun
January 11, 2025
The Westmoreland County Athletes of the Week is presented by Smail Kia. Look for the tags and look for the savings at Smail Kia in Greensburg.
New coach encourages growth in Norwin swim teams
New Norwin swimming and diving coach Kathy Bernardi believes her athletes will get out of the sport what they put into it.
With college decision behind her, Freeport swimmer Kira Schrecongost focused on medals
January 6, 2025
Soon after a trip to the 2024 PIAA Class 2A swimming championships, where she earned a silver medal in the 100-yard butterfly final against Bedford phenom and U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier Leah Shackley, Kira Schrecongost started a connection that eventually would become her future home in swimming and academics.
Quaker Valley swimmers gearing up for postseason success
January 5, 2025
Quaker Valley coaches Mercedes McCarthy and Vernon Yenick are anticipating at least a few — if not more — breathtaking performances by senior diver Ruby Olliffe this season.
