Division I commits Mayo, Wilson lead Hempfield swimming teams

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, December 20, 2018 | 6:42 PM

Previous Next

Previous Next

Coach Kevin Clougherty operates the Hempfield swimming and diving program as an educational opportunity.

“We’re using the discipline of the sport to teach life lessons,” Clougherty said. “Self-discipline, time management, working towards long-term goals, consistency of work.

“Sure, it’s a bucketful of fun when the team is really good, but at the end, of the day we’re all just splashing around and looking at flashing lights on a scoreboard. We’ve been beyond fortunate to have well more than our share of success, but giving the kids skills and tools to succeed in life is the ultimate goal.”

The Spartans are led by group of impressive, talented athletes. Gavin Mayo, a senior sprint specialist, is a North Carolina recruit, and Zoey Wilson, a senior freestyler, is a St. Francis (Pa.) commit.

“I have a few goals I’d like to achieve this season,” Mayo said. “I’d like to get All-American times in the 100 free, 100 back and 50 free. I’d also like to swim in the distance events and butterfly and see if I can get some personal-best times in those.

“We have a lot of freshmen this year, and they are really stepping up and achieving great times. Many people are swimming better than their times last year, which is awesome.”

Two other key members of the boys team are seniors Todd Wilson, the school record-holder in the 100 breaststroke, and Nolan Steeley. Mayo (50 freestyle, 100 freestyle) and Wilson (100 breaststroke) qualified for the PIAA Class AAA championships last year. Mayo finished as the WPIAL runner-up in the 50 freestyle.

“Gavin is probably the best pure sprinter we’ve seen at Hempfield,” Clougherty said. “His raw speed and attention to detail is what sets him apart.

“Todd … is also an exceptional leader and role model to our young kids. He has an amazing work ethic that inspires his teammates.”

Cloughety said Penn-Trafford is the clear-cut favorite among section teams this year. Penn-Trafford and Franklin Regional will provide stiff competition.

“We’re an awfully young team, with 11 of the 16 kids being either freshmen or sophomores,” Clougherty said. “We have some talent, but some of the kids may need to (improve) a little more before they’re ready. We’re hoping the kids can develop fast enough to at least keep things interesting.”

Mayo, a two-time PIAA qualifier, placed fourth (20.81) in Class AAA in the 50 freestyle at last year’s state meet. He also was part of the Spartans’ 200 freestyle relay team, along with Todd Wilson, Brian Wilson and then-senior Adam Toth, that placed in the top 15.

“I’m excited to see what our relays can do this year,” Mayo said. “Hopefully, we can get a couple relay teams to qualify for the state meet.”

For the girls, Wilson is complemented by sophomore Maddy Cisco, one of the top sprinters in the WPIAL, and junior Francesca Nemetz. Wilson (200 freestyle) and Cisco (50 freestyle) advanced to the PIAA Class AAA finals last year.

“I think the girls team has a chance to be pretty good, but we’ll have to see how the girls respond under pressure,” Clougherty said.

The Spartans competed Dec. 14-17 at the 56th annual Christmas Meet at Pitt’s Trees Pool.

“The kids looked very strong at the invitational,” Clougherty said, “We’ve looked good so far, but until you put the kids under some stress it can be hard to tell how things will go with their seasons.”

Mayo, meanwhile, said the Christmas Meet was a great early-season test for the team.

“Pitt was the first big meet I have done since the summer, so it felt great to race,” Mayo said. “I got a lot of great feedback from my swims.”

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.

Tags: Hempfield