District 1 Swimming Championships: Gold Medal for OJR’s Niness

PHILADELPHIA >> Owen J. Roberts’ Mikayla Niness enjoyed her upward climb on the medal stand — from fifth place a year ago to Gold Medalist in the 50-yard freestyle.

“It’s something,” she said with a wide smile, down on the deck of La Salle University’s Kirk Pool. “Everyone is cheering for you and it’s so great. I know like half the people here so I just love being with them and swimming with them. It’s fun.”

The junior touched in 23.37 seconds, besting the field in Class 3A. She helped the Wildcats to ninth in the team scoring (60) on Day One of the District One Swim Championships at La Salle.

“It’s fun. I just love the event. It’s so exciting — the atmosphere. That’s why I like to swim it,” Niness said.

Niness, who outraced North Penn’s Caroline Dunigan for top honors in the 50, began her day with a medal in the 200 medley relay, joining Lauren Zelinske, Lilia Crew and Abbey Malmstrom for eighth place.

“I was just looking to have fun and see what happens. That’s just my mindset,” she said of her approach to Day One. “I have to do that or else it’s gonna be the opposite way of what I want it to be.”

Niness’ time in the 50 free was her career best.

“I think it sets me up pretty good (for states).” she said. “I don’t really know how well the state is doing all around but I’m just excited to go and swim fast, have some fun.”

Also from the area, Phoenixville’s Erini Pappas medaled in the 100 fly, racing to a 57.15 to notch seventh, and Boyertown’s Gabrielle McKee placed eighth in the 200 IM with a 2:07.98.

Later in the day, Periomen Valley’s Ryan Keenan and Jacob Replogle placed sixth and seventh in the 200 free.