The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
NP defends conference title in style
WARRINGTON » Nicole Chiappa went to a gear that was unmatched, and by the end of a medal-filled evening, the North Penn girls were huddled atop and around one of the packed diving blocks at Central Bucks South, clutching the Suburban One League Continental Conference trophy.
Chiappa’s performance in the 200-yard freestyle was a proper metaphor for the meet: the Knights dug deep to pull away from some outstanding competition.
“I try to pace myself off of people but I’m not the greatest at taking out my races faster,” said the North Penn senior. “So when (Pennridge’s Lauren Scott) took it out fast, I was a little bit discouraged but I felt like if I could stay near her for the end, I could catch her.”
Chiappa sped away to the gold medal in 1 minute, 56.40 seconds, helping the Knights compile 464 points to overcome impressive efforts by Souderton Area (402) and Central Bucks East (397.5).
Said North Penn coach Jeff Faikish: “We had great performances top to bottom today. It was a really good meet going into districts. It filled the kids with positivity.”
GOLDEN GIRL » Lots of swimmers stood out for North Penn, none more decorated than Chiappa.
The senior won four gold medals, swimming on all three relays in addition to her victory in the 200 free.
“That was the first complete 200 she’s done all season,” Faikish said. “And she really gutted it out at the end. She swallowed hard and pushed as hard as she could, and came out on top. It was a great finish.”
“I was really proud of that,” Chiappa said. “I hadn’t been swimming too much 200 free this year so I was thinking of switching up my events and swimming a different race at districts, but I’m really happy with that race. It opens up a lot of doors. I’m very excited about