Penn Hills swimmer puts in work in pursuit of goals

By: Josh Rizzo
Saturday, February 8, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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.

Smith has a personal best time of 1 minute, 15.20 seconds, which is behind the 1:13.20 she needs to reach the mark. But Smith, who has committed heavily to training, believes she can take the next step.

“I would say my sophomore swim season, I think I am getting older and maturing,” Smith said. “I saw the value of putting the hard work into swimming.”

Smith competes with the Woodland Hills Aquatics Team for club competition.

Indians coach Morgan Bush has been pleased with Smith’s progress.

“I definitely think Sydney has put this year into perspective,” Bush said. “She set a goal of making WPIALs. This is her first year pursuing a high-level goal. She’s been putting in a lot of work and is focused. It’s reflected in her swims.”

Smith has been doing a lot of speed work in practice. When Smith saw the times she achieved in practice, it boosted her confidence for the games.

“It’s been some sprint work in practices,” Smith said. “I think if I can get the time in practice, imagine the time I can get at the meet.”

Penn Hills already has had several athletes punch their tickets for WPIALs. The 200 free relay of Clarke Leonard, Anthony Collins, Hunter Boyd and Anthony Sipple hit the qualifying time earlier this season.

Sipple has also qualified in the 100 back and 50 free. Leonard is close to hitting the qualifying time in the 50 free and 100 back.

“Those boys from the get-go have had a really strong bond,” Bush said. “They encourage each other and take the extra time in practice to reach their goals.”

Serra Catholic sophomore Emily Ruperto, who lives in Penn Hills, has qualified for five events at the WPIAL Class 2A championships. Ruperto competes as an independent swimmer for the Eagles but will train with the Indians.

“She definitely wants to win, that’s for sure,” Bush said. “As an independent swimmer, she has realized she can’t depend on others. She needs to depend on herself. She’s grown to have that self-motivation. I have seen her give herself pep talks.”

Tags: Penn Hills