North Penn’s Yacopino wins PIAA Class AAA diving title

LEWISBURG >> With her final dive of an incredible performance, Marie Yacopino went twisting through the air and into the record books.

The cheers sounded through Kinney Natatorium just as several eights from the judges flashed up on the scoreboard. North Penn’s stellar senior had added the final points to a state record score of 530.75, as Yacopino ended her Lady Knight career wearing a gold medal at the PIAA Class AAA Swimming and Diving Championships on Thursday.

“It’s a huge relief,” she said with a big smile. “I was so anxious for this meet so I’m so glad it finally turned out really well.”

Yacopino had climbed the mountain. In fact, she was always right around the summit, having earned silver as a freshman, bronze as a sophomore and then silver again as a junior.

“I wouldn’t change anything, honestly,” said the senior, bound for San Diego State next year. “I like how it was — not a struggle — but kind of a challenge to get here.”

This year, Yacopino’s performance was so flawless that it surpassed the previous record of 508.35 by Maria Lohman of Chartiers Valley in 2014.

North Penn would actually take home the gold and the silver, as Paige Burrell earned second with a score of 471.70. Additional points came from Rachael Fisher, who placed 10th, and Callie Smith, who grabbed 15th, as the Lady Knights moved even further ahead in the team scoring.

“It’s super exciting. We’ve never been this close (to the title) the last four years,” Yacopino said.

Her final dive of the afternoon — a forward one and a half somersault with two twists — capped off an amazing four-year run at states. Yacopino said her emotions were swirling, but she was as composed as ever.

“It was a roller coaster, but I’m glad with how it turned out,” she said. “I love North Penn. I’ll always remember the times with my team.”