Mike Vukovcan A group of athletes in Hopewell recently achieved some amazing accomplishments that need to be highlighted.
Head coach Kathi Lopez and her Hopewell High School Swim Team recently took part in the Beaver County Swim and Dive Championships and members of her team accomplished some pretty amazing things.
Thirteen members of the Hopewell swim team finished with a time in the pool that earned them the right to get recognized on the podium. Congratulations to the following Hopewell swimmers and the events that they competed in:
Joey Gregory– 2nd in the 200 and 100 free.
Ava Yoder– 3rd in the 200 IM and 1st in the 100 back.
Aleena Gray– 4th in the 200 IM and 6th in the 100 Fly.
Lindsey Brown– 2nd in the 50 Free and 1st in the 100 Free.
Jozlyn Marnhourt– 3rd in the 50 Free and 1st in the 100 Fly.
Mia Blakeslee– 7th in the 50 Free and 4th in the 100 Breast.
Mitchell Ryan– 5th in the 50 Free and 5th in the 100 Back.
Joel Olshanski– 7th in the 50 Free.
Charles Houston– 2nd in the 100 Fly and 2nd in the 100 Breast.
Troy Palochak- 3rd in the 100 Fly and 3rd in the 100 Back.
Tyler Oliver– 6th in the 100 Fly and 6th in the 100 Breast.
Sophia Magistro– 2nd in the 100 Free and 3rd in the 100 Back.
Emma Driscoll– 4th in the 100 Free and 5th in the 100 Back.
The Vikings swimmers not only produced tremendous results individually but likewise as a team. The top accomplishment was the performance turned in by Joslyn Marnhout, Ava Yoder, Sophia Magistro and Lindsey Brown took 1st place in the 200 and 400 free relays. Great job ladies!
Other noteworthy performances were turned in by:
Mitchell Ryan, Troy Palochak, Joey Gregory and Charles Houston for taking 2nd in the Boys 200 Free Relay.
Emma Driscoll, Mia Blakeslee, Aleena Gray and Maddie Shields for finishing 3rd in the Girls 200 Medley Relay.
Mitchell Ryan, Charles Houston, Troy Palochak and Joey Gregory for finishing 3rd in the Boys 200 Medley Relay.
Aleena Gray, Maddie Shields, Mia Blakeslee and Emma Driscoll had their best day and could have taken 4th place, but a meet rule had them placing 7th.
Vikings Sports Now was able to catch up with Coach Lopez who was filled with emotion when talking about this incredible group of swimmers.
“From the head coaches’ perspective, the accomplishments of this team elicits great pride for me and what it means for the Hopewell Swim program,” said Lopez. “I really can’t explain the feeling of having all our swimmers posting personal best times. I’m so proud of all the hard work that they’ve put in. We prepared well for this big meet, and it really paid off!”
One swimmer that Vikings Sports Now asked Coach Lopez about is junior Ava Yoder. When it comes to the preparation, hard work and pride that Yoder puts in, it’s hard to duplicate. Ava has been working for years to get better in the hopes of becoming a champion swimmer and all her time in the water is paying off.
“Ava Yoder is a big part of the Girl’s team success,” said Coach Lopez. “She is a very hard worker that sometimes puts in two practices per day. Ava is determined to get better, even practicing extra after the big meets.”
The Hopewell Swim team is back in the pool today as they take on West Allegheny after a few more meets, the focus will be on the upcoming MAC and WPIAL Championships. The goal for Coach Lopez and Hopewell is to place more swimmers on the podium following these two huge events!
“I have set high goals for the team,” said Coach Lopez. “We have a few weeks of dual meets left, followed by MACs and the WPIAL. I also expect Hopewell to get a few out to the PIAA State Championships as well.”
Best of luck the rest of the way Hopewell!
