Quartet of Latrobe divers set for WPIAL competition

By: HSSN Staff
Sunday, February 18, 2018 | 5:45 PM

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Two Latrobe divers who are sisters expect to be among top contenders for the WPIAL Class AAA title Saturday at North Allegheny.

Senior Taylor Miller (309.75 points) and sophomore Jordyn Miller (254.40) rank first and fifth, respectively, this season in the WPIAL in the 1-meter event for six dives.

The two head a group of Wildcat divers so strong, one girl has had to compete with the boys.

Taylor Miller and Jordyn Miller bring different styles to the board. Both said Taylor — an Ohio recruit — is more graceful and Jordyn more powerful.

Jordyn considers her sister a role model.

“She makes me compete well,” Jordyn said. “She's so positive.”

Lisa Miller said her daughters are best friends.

“Their father and I have enjoyed watching them share something they love so very much,” she said.

Latrobe diving coach Trish Brownlee has coached the siblings with Derry Flip and Twist Diving Club since they were little.

“They both have great personalities,” Brownlee said. “Taylor takes things as they come and is very relaxed with her diving, as it is very natural to her.

“Jordyn works harder with each and every dive.”

Both hope to make it to states. The top five finishers advance to the PIAA championship in March at Bucknell.

Taylor finished third and Jordyn 12th at WPIALs last season.

The two are among three Wildcats to qualify for the WPIAL championship. Senior Lily Barta (204.05) ranks 23rd in the WPIAL and also qualified.

“I wouldn't be where I am if it weren't for Taylor Miller introducing me to this wonderful sport,” Barta said.

Brownlee was proud Barta — a fourth-year diver who is making her third trip to WPIALs — reached 200 points this season.

Freshman Lauren Bisignani will pass across genders to the WPIAL boys championship.

Brownlee said Bisignani agreed to compete with the boys this season because the Wildcats had too many girls divers and no boys.

Patti McClure, a member of the WPIAL swimming and diving steering committee, said the league began allowing girls to go up against the boys about seven years ago because there are more girls diving than boys. She said this is the first time in a couple of years girls have crossed over.

Brownlee said Bisignani has a strong 11-dive list and expects her to reach the final.

Bisignani (231.95) ranks 15th in the WPIAL for six dives.

“Competing with the boys has definitely been a different experience,” Bisignani said. “During regular (season) meets, there isn't much of a difference since everyone dives together, but I do have to compete at a different time than the girls at WPIALs.

“I would probably rather compete with the girls so we are able to dive together, but I'd do whatever is necessary so everyone can dive.”

Bisignani said the boys have been friendly to her, which makes the meets more enjoyable.

“Lauren is having an exceptional year,” Latrobe swimming coach Grey Arrigonie said.

Karen Kadilak is a freelance writer.

Tags: Latrobe