Mix of veterans and newcomers to represent PAC at District 1 boys swimming championships

Logan Richards, who came out of nowhere last year to win two gold medals at the District 1 boys swimming championships, will be back to defend his titles at this year’s event to be held Friday and Saturday at the Graham Aquatic Center at the York County YMCA. The boys sessions both days are scheduled to begin at 3:45 p.m.

The Owen J. Roberts senior will be one member of a Pioneer Athletic Conference contingent hoping to repeat last year’s success or better last year’s performance.

But just as Richards was making his first district appearance last season, there will be swimmers from the PAC this weekend who will performing in a postseason meet for the first time after also seemingly coming out of nowhere.

One of those district newcomers is Pope John Paul II junior Michael Fiore, who will be competing in the 200 individual medley and the 100 backstroke in Class 2A.

“This is a swimmer who has always been sitting middle of the pack, but the type of athlete who asks for more workouts on days off and has worked incredibly hard over the last three years inside and outside the pool,” said PJP coach Emily Thomas. “At the beginning of the season, Michael was swimming the 200 IM at a time of 2:38.82. He continued to work, and by PAC championships he had accomplished a 2:24.95. In addition, his 100 back went from a 1:09:49 to a 1:05.98.

“He may or may not place top 10 at districts, but his journey this season has definitely been one of an amazing work ethic. His drive and determination to improve are commendable.”

Another example is Upper Perkiomen freshman Justin Maciolek, who will be competing in the Class 2A 100 breaststroke.“He came out for water polo in the fall, but did not know how to swim,” said Upper Perk coach Brien Kalnoski. “He made a good decision to join the swim team, I think, to help improve his swimming for water polo. And the best part is, he made the District 1 consideration (and now qualifying) time.”

Methacton junior Jake Kallal will be competing in the Class 3A 500 freestyle and also on relay teams in districts for the first time.

“His determination amazes me,” said Methacton boys coach Sarah Stevens. “Two years ago, he came to Methacton with some experience with swimming and going 6:34 the first time he swam the 500. His freshman year, he finished the season 6:03. Now, two years later, he is qualified for districts in the 500 at 5:06.03.”

Also from Methacton, junior Eric Zang will be competing in the 50 free for the first time and is the first alternate in the 100 free.

Among the returnees from the PAC, Richards had the most impressive postseason last year. He set a district record of 4:28.76 while winning the Class 3A 500 free and also came in first in the 200 free. He is seeded third in the 500 free and fourth in the 200 free and won both of those events in the PAC championships two weeks ago.

Among other Class 3A PAC returnees, Owen J. Roberts sophomore Colin Davis won the PAC championship and is seeded fourth in the 100 free and seventh in the 50 free. He placed ninth and tied for fifth, respectively, in those district events last year.

Methacton senior Christopher Groff, a four-time district qualifier, is seeded fourth in the 100 back and 12th in the 200 free. Last year, he finished seventh in the state in the 100 back and qualified for states in the 200 free.
Methacton junior Christian Lebold is seeded 10th in the 500 free and 12th in the 100 breast.

Spring-Ford sophomore Blaise Sadowski, who is a PAC champion (in the 200 IM and 100 breast) along with sister Maris Sadowski, has qualified for two individual events and is a key members of Ram relay teams.

Spring-Ford junior Patrick Bagnanski won the PAC 500 free and is seeded 11th. He’ll be chasing records set by graduated brother Brendan.

Other participating PAC champions are Owen J. Roberts sophomore Ethan Suessmuth, who won the league’s 100 fly championship, and teammate Patrick Bowker, a junior who won the 100 back.

Spring-Ford relay teams are seeded fifth (PAC champion 200 medley relay), eighth (PAC champion 200 free relay) and 10th (400 free relay). Owen J. Roberts sends the fourth-seeded 400 free relay team, which won the PAC title, and 13th-seeded 200 free relay team.

In Class 2A, Pope John Paul II senior Henry Phillips is seeded first in the 200 free and 500 free. Last year, he finished second in the district and eighth in the state in the 200 free.

Upper Perkiomen senior Eric Harter is seeded second in the 50 free and third in the 100 breast and teammate Evan Harter is sixth in the 200 IM and seventh in the 100 back. Other Indians include sophomore Nolan McCloskey – seeded second in the 100 back and fifth in the 200 free – and sophomore Hunter Francisco, fourth in the 100 fly and seventh in the 500 free.

Pottsgrove senior Declan Keener is seeded fourth in the 200 IM and 200 free and the Falcon 200 free relay team is seeded first.