All-Area: McKenrick shines in second season

Last year Conestoga’s Brian McKenrick was a member of two relay teams that qualified for the PIAA Class AAA swimming championships. For 2015 the sophomore wanted to better that accomplishment.

McKemrick’s goal this season was to qualify in an individual event.

“I went to states a part of two relay teams with three seniors on it,’ McKenrick said. “It was a great experience to go through it for a first time but I really wanted to do more this year.’

McKenrick did much more than compete in one event in the prestigious meet, he garnered two third-place medals. One was in the 100-yard butterfly, and the other in the 100 backstroke.

“It felt amazing to achieve that,’ he said. “I just tried to stay focus, trust in my training, and have fun this year.’

McKenrick turned all the success into being named the Daily Local News All-Area Boys Swimmer of the Year.

He chalked up his second-year success to the offseason training with Conestoga’s coach Mark Tirone, and his coaches at the Upper Main Line YMCA.

“They all worked with me a lot,’ McKenrick said. “My coaches kept me motived, and they made me a better swimmer for this year.’

When the Pioneers raced Radnor High School the first week of January, McKenrick reached an entire new level of confidence.

“When we raced Radnor, I knew I was going to be facing some really tough competition,’ he said. “I took first in the 100 backstroke and the 100 freestyle. I remember in both races when I took the turn I could not believe the lead I had. That meet gave me a lot of confidence.’

It was not all smooth sailing over the course of the season. He did face some hardships, and reevaluated his confidence level.

“I wasn’t swimming well entering the Central League championships,’ McKenrick said. “I rethought everything. Rethought the process, the way I was racing. I think what helped me the most was my teammates.’

The senior class was a key reason for his rebound. Especially captains Jake Moran, and Ryan Frascella.

“They were unbelievable,’ McKenrick said. “All the seniors were so great to me. They kept me pumped up and confident to race. Ryan and Jason were awesome. I owe all of them so much.’

Competing at such a high level at a young age can be intimidating for some, but he stayed cool, calm, and relaxed with the help of his teammate and good friend Kevin Jay.

“Kevin always told me not to overthink anything. I just needed to go out there and do my thing, and race the way I know I could. It really helped me clear my head and just stay loose and go out there and do my best,’ McKenrick said.

Over the course of the season the sophomore started to develop as a leader as well as a top-tier swimmer.

“I really think the leadership helped,’ McKenrick said. “Seeing some of the young swimmers

look up to me was humbling. It made me better and hopefully I was able to help them.’

It will be difficult for McKenrick to top this successful season but like all great athletes he savors the challenge for himself and his team.

“I am looking forward to next year. We all just have to keep working. We will go out there and see what we can do.’