Local squads looking to make statement
Individual and team success on the horizon
The North Penn boys, seeking their first state crown since 2004, are in position to score major points in several events at the PIAA Swimming Championships.
The Class 2A Meet will be held today and Thursday at Bucknell University, with the 3A events following on Friday and Saturday.
The Knights’ 200 medley relay team (1:33.67) is seeded third in 3A, bunched tightly with North Allegheny (1:32.88) and Conestoga (1:33.07). NP’s 200 free relay is seeded fifth, coming off a 1:25.51 at districts.
Danny Dunigan is seeded fourth in the 200 free (1:40.60) and second in the 500 free (4:31.10). It could wind up being a tremendous race between he and Pittsburgh Central Catholic’s McClellan Clark (4:29.36) in the 500.
Meanwhile, Aidan Faikish is a four seed in the 200 IM (1:52.65) and also fourth in the 100 breast (56.93) for the Knights.
And North Penn’s Mason Potts is seeded third in the 100 fly (49.67) and fourth in the 100 free (45.95).
The Knights’ 400 free relay is seeded first, with an incredible mark of 3:05.38.
Also key for the Knights is the diving duo of Brady Stanton (557.30) and Joshua Gratton (551.60), each amongst the favorites.
The North Penn girls are also set for a tremendous weekend at Bucknell (March 17-18).
Madeline Faikish is one to watch in both the 200 free (seeded third, 1:50.54) and 500 free (two seed, 4:52.43).
Keira Allison could be providing some valuable points up on the board, as she goes in as a five seed in the diving (470.10).
Amazingly, Hatboro-Horsham has the top two seeds in the 200 IM, as sisters Annie (2:00.64) and Kathy Jia (2:02.27) give the defending champs an outstanding one-two punch. Annie Jia is also