North Penn’s Allison, Stanton dive to SOL Colonial Titles
TOWAMENCIN >> Keira Allison defended her title in style.
“Last year was a little bit of a rocky meet for me so it was cool to have more of a steady, consistent meet this time,” the North Penn senior said after Wednesday night’s Suburban One League Colonial Division Diving Championships.
Allison was not only consistent but outstanding, amassing a score of 428.65 to top an impressive field at the Rick Carroll Natatorium.
North Penn’s Brady Stanton was the winner on the boys side, racking up a score of 483.70 as the Knights dove into their 2023 postseason in commanding fashion.
“I’ve just been working hard, trying to get better. And it’s great (diving here at the home pool) – love it,” said Stanton.
Allison overcame a tremendous showing by Souderton’s Avery Taylor (413.05) for the top spot. The Knights’ Emily Donahue (331.65) gave NP two finishers in the top three.
Allison nailed her reverse one and a half pike to highlight a stellar performance.
“It feels nice. It’s really nice to have the hard work that I put in throughout the season pay off. And it’s really cool to be able to share it with my teammates,” she said. “For some of them, it was their last meet today. So it was really fun to spend the whole season with them and finish it out like this.”
Added Allison, of her reverse one and a half pike: “That’s a new dive for me so it’s cool to be able to hit that one today.”
Winning the event for the second year in a row added even more spice.
“That was special, especially since it’s my senior year, it’s a really cool way to end leagues,” Allison said. “I’m super excited for districts. I’m excited to see people that I don’t get to see in the regular season – I’ll get to see them and compete with them. That’s a really cool opportunity.”
Stanton had his finest performance of the season, pushing past Central Bucks East’s Connor Thurston (458.95) for top honors. North Penn’s Joshua Gratton (454.35) rose to third.
“It’s awesome. And I’m so glad that all my friends did so well too,” said Stanton.
The swim portion of the SOL Colonial Division Championships will be held Friday night (girls at North Penn) and Saturday morning (boys at CB South).
SOL Colonial Girls Diving Championships
Top 8-1. Keira Allison (North Penn) 428.65; 2. Avery Taylor (Souderton) 413.05; 3. Emily Donahue (NP) 331.65; 4. Alyssa Gehman (S) 329.80; 5. Lily Vogel (NP) 314.25; 6. Clara Barron (Pennridge) 298.45; 7. Marin Ford (CB East) 294.40; 8. Jackie Finlaw (CB South) 273.40.
SOL Colonial Boys Diving Championships
Top 8-1. Brady Stanton (NP) 483.70; 2. Connor Thurston (CB East) 458.95; 3. Joshua Gratton (NP) 454.35; 4. Marcos Terroba Rivero (CB East) 400.85; 5. Matt Meehan (Souderton) 345.0; 6. Gavin Pacitti (CB West) 341.50; 7. David Dian (NP) 326.50; 8. Dominic Swain (CB West) 325.30.
