Westmoreland athletes of the week: Belle Vernon’s Shahan, Mt. Pleasant’s Gardner

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, February 1, 2018 | 7:32 AM

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Ian Shahan

School: Belle Vernon

Sport: Swimming and diving

Year: Freshman

Claim to fame: Shahan set a meet record in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 53.12 seconds at the Westmoreland County Coaches Association meet Saturday at Derry. Shahan won the 100 freestyle in 48.03.

“I thought I did pretty good there. I swam some of my best times,” Shahan said.

How does it feel to help guide your team to a Class AA boys title at WCCAs?

It feels really good. We are doing so well right now. Everyone is working hard. We are trying to be the best that we can be.

What does it mean to you to break a record at the WCCAs?

I've worked my hardest I can right now. I've tried to be the best that I can be to break these records.

How can you use this performance for WPIALs?

I'm using it as motivation to work harder and to push me to help me perform better at WPIALs and states.

What is your favorite stroke and why?

Backstroke or butterfly. I've swam them since I started to swim. They are both very hard strokes, but it's rewarding to do your best in it.

What is your earliest memory of getting into the pool?

I'd get into the bathtub and try to do laps in the bathtub.

Heather Gardner

School: Mt. Pleasant

Sport: Swimming and diving

Year: Sophomore

Claim to fame: Gardner broke two meet records at the Westmoreland County Coaches Association meet. Gardner set records in the 50 freestyle (23.38) and 100 breaststroke (1:05.57).

“They were both amazing races. I was extremely happy to break the records for counties and school,” Gardner said.

What's it mean to you to break to records at the WCCAs?

It means a lot. I knew I wanted to get under 1:06 and that's what the record was. It's an honor to get those records, especially since I'm working so hard for them. It's a big accomplishment for me.

What is your favorite stroke and why?

Freestyle and the breaststroke. I don't have a favorite stroke. They are both very different.

What are your goals for the remainderof the year as you preparefor WPIALs?

I want to win WPIALs in both of my events. I'm going to be tapered for states. I want to get first in both of my events, especially the 50. I want to break the state record in the 50. I'm very close to it, and if I train hard for the rest of the season, I can try to get that.

What is your pre-race routine?

I say a little prayer before I jump in. I stretch and replay the race in my head. I want to hit my turns and have a good start. I play my whole race in my head and just swim it.

What adjective best describes you and why?

Hardworking and determined. I always ask my coach, ‘Is there something I could do to get better?' Whenever she does tell me what I'm doing wrong, I really zero in on that one thing and work on improving that one thing. I'm very determined to do the best that I can do in each of my races.

—Andrew John

Tags: Belle Vernon, Mt. Pleasant