Burns pockets gold for Conestoga

Chester County’s top team during day one of the 2017 PIAA Class 3A Boys Swimming Championship was also among the top six programs statewide: Conestoga.

The Pioneers notched a state title on Saturday at Bucknell University’s Kinney Natatorium courtesy of Brendan Burns. The senior took the gold medal in the 100-yard butterfly by almost two full seconds in a time of 48.06.

“Last year I got third, and I was a little disappointed not getting first,” Burns said. “It means a lot to me just because of the atmosphere here, with my teammates here and (head coach Mark) Tirone is great.

“I really can’t describe it. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and now that I’ve got it, it feels great.”

In addition, Burns was the leadoff leg of ’Stoga’s 200 medley relay team that placed second (1:33.36). The rest of the team included Brian McKenrick, Ryan Look and Oliver Brown. Also a senior, McKenrick grabbed a bronze medal in the 200 IM (1:50.76).

At the midway point of the meet, which will conclude today, North Allegheny is in the lead with 179 points. Conestoga is sixth (70 points) and West Chester Henderson is 15th (27).

When asked where it ranks to win a state title, Burns said: “It’s definitely pretty high. This past summer, we broke a national relay record at YMCA Long Course Nationals. I’d say it’s slightly below that just because it’s an individual event and not a relay, but it’s pretty high up there.”

West Chester Henderson had a couple relay teams finish in the top 15. The Warriors’ 200 medley team of Liam Pitt, Jared Fruhwirth, Jared Bergan and Steven Fuller finished 10th in a time of 1:35.17. And Henderson’s 200 freestyle relay, featuring the same foursome, was 15th (1:26.88).

GENE WALSH — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Brendan Burns cruised to a gold medal for Conestoga in the 100-yard butterfly in the boys PIAA Swimming championships at Bucknell University on Saturday.