Bello, Freeling win D-10 Diving Championship

Mackenzie Bello won her first District Ten AAA Diving Championship and Bob Freeling captured his third straight as both qualified for the PIAA State Championship and gave their McDowell teams  a head start for next weekend's swimming events. Bello edged teammate -- and defending champ -- Kristen Overholt 396.15 to 376.75. McDowell's Julia Marn (245.45) and Kaity Taylor (235.75) placed sixth and eighth, respectively.
        Freeling lead a one-two-three Trojan sweep with 420.80 points. Gage Schwab and Cody Rudensky followed with 369.75 and 303.30 respectively. 

Freeling breaks 26 year old diving record

Bob Freeling broke the oldest varsity record when he scored 438.65 points for 11 dives at the McDowell Diving Invitational to erase Tim Kuzma's 1984 mark of 412.80. Kuzma, coaching Mercyhurst diver Katrina Taylor was on hand to see his record -- the oldest mark on the Trojan record board -- finally fall. Freeling, the two-time defending District Ten AAA diving champ placed second at the Invitational behind another record-setter: Fairview's Danny Roberts, who broke the Meet and McDowell pool record for 11 dives with 532.40 points. Zach Lindquist from Harborcreek placed third with 16.45 points. McDowell's Gage Schwabb and Cody Rudensky finished fourth and fifth respectively (362.10 - 321.05).
       McDowell's Mackenzie Bello survived a close battle with teammate and last year's D-10 diving champion Kristen Overholt to win the women's title. On her last dive she passed Overholt by two points (375.15 - 373.15). Harborcreek's Sarah Woodring finished third with 355.35 points. Rounding out the top five for women were Brienna Weibel (332.55) and Jocelyn Lion from Fairview. 
 
Ferrante breaks 100 meter free record

Kelsey Ferrante lead off the victorious 400 meter free relay in a school record 1:00.39, capping a 117-69 win over Warren at the Warren YMCA. She broke Kristin Swoyer's 2000 mark of 1:01.31, also at the Warren Y. Ferrante won 4 events, including the 200 IM and 100 butterfly. She teamed with Kelsey Rzymek, Lauren Szoszorek, and Shanen Lazenby on the 400 free relay, and with Lauren Kozuchowsky, Malgorzata Szelwach, and Szoszorek on the winning 200 medley relay. Mia Izzo won 200 and 500 frees, Kristin Overholt won the 1 meter diving, Lazenby won the 100 free and Kozuchowsky won the 100 back. 
       The men won every event en route to a 148-36 win over the Dragons. Teddy Wassell took the 200 IM and 100 back, Kevin Intrieri the 50 and 100 frees, Tyler Perkins the 100 breaststroke, Chris Mineo the 200 free, Mike DiPlacido the 400 free and Cody Rudensky the diving. 

McDowell women stay unbeaten against Mercyhurst

McDowell women's swimming and diving team beat Mercyhurst 101-84 at home to move to 9-0 in Region Three action. It was the second time the Trojans have beaten the Lakers this season, and depth was a factor. Kelsey Ferrante and Emma Swabb each won two events for McDowell but it was the key seconds, thirds and fourths that added up for a Trojan victory. Ferrante won the 100 butterfly, Swabb the 100 breaststroke and both were on the winning 200 medley relay with Lauren Kozuchowky and Shanen Lazenby. Kristen Overholt and Meckenzie Bello went one-two in diving.
      In the 200 free, though, McDowell went 2-3-4 (Lauren Szoszorek, Mia Izzo, and Carli Cummings) to outscore the Lakers 9-7 despite a Mercyhurst win in the event. Ferrante and Swabb went 2-3 in the IM. Kelsey Rzymek, Kozuchowsky, and Julia Rahner went 2-3-5 in the 100 back to go 8-8 in the event. In the 100 breaststroke, a huge 1-2-4 (Malgorzata Szelwach and Kristen Owens, following Emma Swabb) made for a huge 12-4 advantage in that event. Szoszorek won the 500 free going away after barely touching out the Mercyhurst swimmer last month. A close third by Mia Izzo and a fourth by Jill Robertson made that event an 11-5 bonus for the Trojans.  
      On the men's side McDowell swimmers won all but two events to claim a 134-44 victory over Mercyhurst. Kevin Intrieri won the 50 free, 100 free and anchored the 200 medley relay and 400 free relay. Teddy Wassell won the 200 IM and 100 back and lead off those same two relays. Tyler Perkins won the 100 breaststroke and was on two winning relays. Bob Freeling won the diving and Mark DiPLacido won the 500 free.

Rudinsky breaks freshmen diving record

McDowell diver Cody Rudinsky scored 218.55 to win the dving event at the Warren meet and break the freshman record for 6 dives. He surpassed the 197.80 score set my Gage Schwab during last season. McDowell won the meet 150-34 to move to 4-0 on the season. The women defeated the Dragons 131-54 behind four wins by Mia Izzo, Emma Swabb and Kelsey Ferrante.

Allegheny Mountain raises USA Swimming fee to $65.00

Effective January 1, 2010, the USA Swimming annual fee for all clubs in Allegheny Mountain (including MIST) will be $65.00. Those who paid in the fall are current through December 31, 2010. 

Riley places fourth at Christmas Meet

Rex Riley took fourth place in the 11-12 age group 50 breaststroke at the Allegheny Mountain Christmas Meet at the University of Pittsburgh with a personal best time of 33.63. He swam best times in his 50 free (28.30) and 100 backstroke (1:10.21).
        In the 15-16 age group, Emma Swabb was tenth in the 100 breast (1:11.65), Kelsey Ferrante was fifth in the 100 back (1:00.20) and sixth in the 50 free (24.80), and Lauren Kozuchowsky was sixth in the 100 back (1:02.26). Brandon Intrieri was fifth in the senior 50 free (21.49) and his brother Kevin placed 10^th in the 15-16 50 free with a 22.83.

McDowell girls place fifth at State Water Polo Championships

McDowell beat Governor MIfflin High School for the first time this season to take fifth place at the State Water Polo Championships at North Penn HIgh School. After losing to the Mustangs earlier in the month, the Trojans lead throughout to win 7-4. Sophomore Shanen Lazenby lead all scorers with 3. Kelsey Rzymek, who finished the season as McDowell's leading goal scorer at 54, had two goals.
        McDowell came from behind and outscored North Allegheny 4-0 in the second half to beat the Tigers 7-4 and advance to the fifth place game with senior goalie Elizabeth Causgrove shuttin out NA the second half. After beating the Tigers two out of three meetings during he regular season, the Trojans trailed 2-4 at the half. Still trailing 3-4 after three, Junior Kelsey Ferrante scored twice and Rzymek scored a breakaway goal with 30 seconds remaining in the last period to lift the Trojans past their Western Division rival. 
        Earlier in the tournament, McDowell fell to eventual state champions North Penn 15-4, and to Cumberland Valley, which later placed third, 14-9.
        Rzymek earned first team All-State honors, while senior Ashley Green was voted second team and Ferrante third team. 

Three MIST swimmers shine at BB Championships

Isaac Ripple finaled in four events, Norman Stark finaled in 2 events and both along with John Paul Stark dropped time in every event at the BB Championship at North Park Pool. Ripple placed second in the 12 and under 400 IM with a best time by nearly 3 seconds (6:24.93). His third place in the 200 free (2:32.97) was an 8 second drop -- over 7 seconds since prelims. He was fourth in the 50 fly (36.25) and fifth in the 100 free (1:12.36). 
        Norman Stark placed sixth in the 11-12 50 fly (36.58) after going a personal best 35.58 in prelims. HE qualified third in the 200 back with a 3:00.97. In the 6-10 age group, John Paul Stark had his best time in the 100 free by a second and a half (1:33.37). 

Swabb breaks 200 IM record in Buffalo

Emma Swabb broke Tenley Marsteller's 2003 MIST record in the 200 meter IM at the Niagara Long Course Invitational at the University of Buffalo. Her 2:35.18 lowered the former team mark of 2:37.32. She finaled in the 100 meter breaststroke with a 1:19.72 (10th) and was 13th in the 200 breast with a 2:58.04. Both were personal best times. 

Pool now closed for practice until July 13

Unexpected maintenance problems have delayed the re-opening of the MIHS pool until Monday, July 13. That means will be at Penn State Behrend for another week. There will be practice for all groups on Monday, July 6; Tuesday, July 7 and Thursday, July 9 from 8:30-10:00 a.m. (Developmentals still come at 9:00). On Friday, July 10, practice will be from 7-10 (all groups at the usual summer times). There will be no practice on Wednesday, July 8, when we swim Lake Shore that afternoon. That meet will now be at Lake Shore with warmups at 4:00 p.m. and the meet starting at 5:00. The July 11 Harborcreek Meet will now be at Harborcreek with warmups at 9:00 a.m. and the first event at 9:30.  We are very sorry for the inconveniences. 

Dual meet vs. Erie Aquatics for Seniors and Pre-seniors

MIST will compete against Erie Aquatics at Penn State Behrend on Friday, July 3. The meet is open to Seniors and pres-seniors and features a full range of events from the 1000 free, to 200's and 100's of all strokes. Warmups are at 4:00 p.m. with the meet starting at 5:00. Entry fee is $15.00 per swimmer. Each swimmer can swim 4 events including one or two relays.  is To sign up, deliver a check to Coach Schultz (payable to MIST). Most of the events are open but there are some 11-12 events. Because of the meet there will no regular Senior and pre-senior practice that day. Practice will start at 8:30 for Competitive and 9:00 for Developmentals. Any seniors and pre-seniors who want to practice that day should swim from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.

McDowell sports physicals set for June 27

Any McDowell students who will do a fall, winter, or spring sport need to have a physical before the first day of practice (which for fall Water Polo is Monday, August 17). The school provides a physical (good for the entire school year) on Saturday, June 27 at the McDowell High School, from 8 a.m. to Noon.  The cost is $10.00 payable to Millcreek Township School District. Have the forms completed before arriving (you can get them at the Athletic Office in the high school), or bring a parent with you because you can't get the physical without all the signatures. 

Kelsey Herbst selected 4th team All-American in water polo

McDowell senior Kelsey Herbst was selected by the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association to the fourth team All-American in water polo. A three year starter, Herbst co-captained the McDowell team to a Western Division title and a sixth place at states. She was named First Team All-State by the Pennsylvania coaches last fall.
        Herbst was the Trojans' top goal scorer this season (61) and also lead the team in seals (102). In her career she is ranked fifth al-time in goals (109) and 4th in steals (181). She was second this past season in team assists with 23 (43 in her career for another top ten), and in Kick-outs-drawn with 21 (47 career, 4th al-time).

Quinn, Riley and Ripple hit best times at Hampton

Abby Quinn, Rex Riley and Isaac Ripple competed in the Hampton Age Group Open, registerng some best long course times, Quinn placed second in the 13-14 100 butterfly (1:19.86) and 200 free (2:43.90); Riley was third in the 50 back (39.02) and 50 breast (42.55), and won the 50 fly in the silver fight (38.46); and Ripple won the 50 breast (42.49) and paced third in both the 100 fly (1:27.19) and 100 breast (1:33.45). 

Four MIST swimmers compete at Classic Meet

In the first long course outdoor meet of the season, Isaac Ripple won the 11-12 year old 400 IM (6:27.69) and placed third in the 200 IM, 100 butterfly and 50 breast. His 3:05.95 in the 200 IM was his best by 10 seconds, and his 1:28.97 in the 100 fly was his best by over 7 seconds. Abby Quinn dropped over 7 seconds in the 100 fly, taking fifth in the 13-14 age group (1:19.81). Steven and Kristin Owens swam in their first long course meet with Steven going 2:03.71 in the 11-12 50 breast and Kristin going 1:38.57 in the 13-14 100 back.

Worst drinks in America

The worst so called "healthy" drink in America, according to David Zinczenko and Matt Goulding ("Eat this, not that," ) is Glaceau Vitamin Water with a 130 calories and 33 grams of sugar. Just because it says vitamin in the name doesn't change the fact that a 20 oz. bottle of this stuff has nearly as much sugar as a can of coke. 
       Arizona Kiwi Strawberry might seem healthy ("it's juice, right?") but it's 5 percent juice and 95 percent sugar water. It has 84 grams of sugar and 360 calories. 
       SoBe Zen Tea might seem like another healthy drink, but it has 275 calories and 70 grams of sugar. The worst ice tea, however, is LIpton Brisk Lemon Ice Tea, which has 325 calories and 81 grams of sugar. This is just another reason we stress drinking water before, during and after practice to stay hydrated, eliminate cramping, and improve performance. Once you stray from water ("because it's boring, it doesn't taste good, I need variety"), you run the risk of drinking stuff that might actually dehydrate you, cause cramping, and hinder performance. How? Drinks with sugar and sodium will force your body to pull water from your muscles into your stomach to digest this stuff. Then your muscles have less water than before. 
       By the way, if your trying to keep fat off, you might want to avoid drinking anything at Baskin and Robbins. They earned the distinction of having the top two worst drinks. The worst milkshake is the Baskin and Robbins Large York Peppermint Patty Shake. It has 2,210 calories, 103 grams of fat (57 grams saturated), and 281 grams of sugar. It's the same amount of sugar in 15 twinkies. The worst drink of all is the Baskin and Robbins Large Heath Bar Shake with 2,310 calories, 108 grams of fat (64 grams unsaturated), and 266 grams of sugar. That's 66 teaspoons of sugar. Eating 11 actual Heath Bars would give you the same amount of calories.

Ripple wins 500 free at Distance Meet

Isaac Ripple won the 500 free for 11-12 year olds at the AMS Distance Meet held at Penn State Behrend. Ripple swam a 6:17.20, a best time, just 2 days after entering a new age group. 

Ripple breaks 2 long course  records at sprint meet

Isaac Ripple broke MIST records in the 50 meter breast (44.06) and 50 meter fly (37.06) at the Dan Mazzei Sprint Meet at the University of Pittsburgh. The 50 breast broke his own mark set in last summer (44.48) and the 50 fly broke Thomas Shuttleworth's 2002 time of 38.61. It was the first long course meet of the 2009 season.

Isaac Ripple takes 6th at Zones, breaks MIST record

Representing the Allegheny Mountain Swimming (AMS) All-Stars, Isaac Ripple placed 6th in the 50 breaststroke in 36.64 at the Eastern Zone Championship in Buffalo. earlier, he swam the 100 breaststroke, setting a new MIST record of 1:19.52. 

McDowell swim teams announce season award winners

Kelsey Herbst, Jackie Rzymek and Kelsey Ferrante, all quad state qualifiers, All-Americans, and multiple record setters were named swimmers of the year at the annual Trojans awards banquet. The men's award went to Kyle Lazenby, Wes Hansen, Brandon Intrieri and Kevin Intrieri, all All-Americans and record setters who smashed the D-10 record in the 400 free relay by 3 seconds.
        Kevin Intrieri and Emma Swabb, each with two freshman records, were named Rookie of the Year. Carli Cummings who dropped 5 seconds in her 100 free at Districts to place top 5 to go with her top 5 in the 100 fly earned the Donald Locke "They came from nowhere" Award. Max Hrbal who placed 4th in the 50 free and 5th in the 100 breast earned the male Locke Memorial.
        Angelia Brown won the Pamela Fischer Award and Drew Dunsmore and Scott Schmalzried collected the John Mennini Memorial. Gage Schwab, who broke the freshman record for 6 dives, and Mia Izzo, who placed 4th in the 500 free won the Rising Star Awards. 
       For the Performance Award, the swimmers voted for Kelsey Herbst first breaking the 5 minute mark in the 500 free. The male swimmers voted for the men's 200 medley relay which apparently won at PIAA with a state record before being disqualified for a false start. Despite the disappointment, Lazenby, Hansen, and the brothers Intrieri rebounded to final and make All-State in the 400 free relay the next day.

Four MIST swimmers wrap up season at Last Splash

Abby Quinn and Maggie Radu each won events at the Last Splash Meet at Upper St. Clair High School, fibishing the 2008-2009 short course season. Quinn won the 13-14 200 IM in 2:36.91 and Radu won the 9-10 100 back in 1:17.72). Radu placed second in the 200 IM (2:57.38), third in the 50 fly (35.34) and fifth in the 50 free (32.41). Quinn took third in both the 50 free (28.71) and the 100 fly (1:09.17) and fifth in the 100 breast (1:19.71). 
        Mackenzie MacDonald was third in the 13-14 200 IM (2:47.06) and sixth in both the 500 free (6:26.32) and the 100 back (1:13.14). In the 9-10 group, Olivia Newport finished 10th in the 50 breast (44.79) and 12th in the 100 IM (1:28.84). 

Summer meet schedules now posted

The 2009 USA Swimming long course schedule and the Lake Erie League meet schedules are now posted on the MIST schedules page.

New MIST Phone number

As of March 27, the new MIST phone number will be 814-434-4249. The 836-SWIM number will not be in service after that date. Note that email is the best way to contact us.

Trojan women 6th at PIAA Championships; men 12th

Behind All-State performances by Jackie Rzymek, Kelsey Herbst, Kelsey Ferrante and three relays, the McDowell women's team scored 129 points to place 6th at the PIAA State Championship at Bucknell University. The men's tea, rallied from a disheartening disqualification on a 200 medley relay that touched first under the state record to place 12th. 
        The girls 200 medley relay placed 4th in a school record (and All-American) 1:46.48. Kelsey Ferrante (26,63), Colleen Sheldon (30.63), Jackie Rzymek (24.86) and Sarah Anderson (24.36) dropped 1 second from prelims and 3 seconds from districts. The old record was 1:48.53 set by Tenley Marsteller, Halle Kiehlmier, Mary Krakowski and Lorraine Negron in 2002. 
        Kelsey Herbst was 8th in the 200 with 1:53.58 (1:52.96 prelims). Jackie Rzymek placed 4th in the 100 butterfly with a 55.70 after breaking her own school record by 2 seconds in prelims (55.58 - All-American). The 200 free relay of Rzymek, Anderson, Lauren Szoszorek and Herbst took 10th in 1:38.03 (24.04, 24.43, 24.80, 24.76). Rzymek's leadoff of 23.76 in prelims broke her own school record. Both the relay and the lead off were All-American times. 
        On the second day, Herbst placed 6th in the 500 (4:58.98) as did Kelsey Ferrante in the 100 back (57.32 - 2nd fastest All-time Trojan). Emma Swabb lowered her own freshman record by another second with a 1:06.01 (10th place, 3rd fastest All-time. 
        Jackie Rzymek lead off a record setting 400 free relay with another record of her own, breaking Kate Duncombe's 52.95 from 1998 with an amazing 52.10. Sarah Anderson (53.85), Kelsey Ferrante (52.30) and Kelsey Herbst (52.97) finished in 6th in 3:31.22 to destroy the 1999 mark of 3:34.54 (Ann Markley, Jill Esper, Kristen Swoyer, and Kate Duncombe). 
        Kyle Lazenby, Wes Hansen, Brandon Intrieri, and Kevin Intrieri thought they won the 200 medley in 1:33.59, but pulled it together the next day to place 6th in the 400 free relay in 3:07.82. Wes Hansen placed 4th in the 100 breast in 58.06 after breaking Joe Rudler's school record in prelims (57.81- All-American). His 46.47 lead off in prelims of the 400 relay broke his own school record and was another All-American time. At night the four went 46.69, 47.29, 47.66, and 46.18. During prelims on Friday, Hansen shattered his own record in the 200 IM set two weeks previous at Districts with a All-American 1:54.12.

Rex Riley breaks three MIST records at A Champs

Rex Riley broke four MIST team records and barely missed a fifth at the Allegheny Mountain A Championship Meet at the University of Pittsburgh. He won the 100 breaststroke in 1:20.94 (old mark: 1:23.92), and placed second in the 50 breast and 50 backstroke both in new records. His 32.79 in the 50 back broke Tommy VanVolkenburg's 1999 standard by 1 second (33.72) and his 50 breast prelim time of 36.09 broke Isaac Ripple's 37.64 from earlier this season. The final mark was in the 100 IM where his 1:12.97 beat VanVolkenburg's 1:14.59 and placed fourth. Riley was second in the 100 back in 1:11.97, missing the MIST record by one tenth. He was third in the 100 free in 1:04.70 after going 1:04.10 in prelims.
        Isaac Ripple placed second in both the 50 fly (33.55) and the 200 free (2:24.75). He was third in the 50 breast (37.81) and his third in the 100 breast was also under his own MIST record (1:21.34). He placed fourth in the 100 butterfly (1:16.34). 

Women: 5 D-10 records, 7 pool records, 4 school records, 2 freshman records, 15th straight team title, sweep of all 12 events;
Men: 2 District records, 2 pool records, 6 school records, 2 freshman records, 5 D-10 champions

It was the single best meet, the two best days, for records in the history of McDowell Swimming. Thirty records were broken by McDowell swimmers as the women won their 15th consecutive District Ten title and the men fell 30 points short despite 5 event wins and obliterating the District, Behrend pool and McDowell school record in the 400 free relay. Wes Hansen lead off in a school record 47.09,  followed by  Kevin Intrieri (47.91), Kyle Lazenby (46.83) and Brandon Intrieri (45.81- fastest split in McDowell history) thrilling the Penn State Behrend crowd with a blazing 3:07.64. The former D-10 and pool record was a 3:10.25 set last year by Cathedral Prep. The former school record of 3:10.95 was set in 1998 by Ely Graycochea, Vinnie Pacinelli, Jason Poniatowski, and current McDowell coach Mike Esper. 
       The women won all three relays, two in record fashion. Kelsey Ferrante, Colleen Sheldon, Jackie Rzymek and Lauren Szoszorek broke the D-10 and pool record in the 200 medley with a 1:49.34 (old mark: 1:49.40 by McDowell in 2002 and 2005). Rzymek, Anderson, Shanen Lazenby and Kelsey Herbst broke Warren's old pool mark in the 200 free relay with a 1:38.86 (old mark: 1:39.74). Anderson, Ferrante, Lazenby and Herbst won the the 400 free relay. In the 200 free relay, Rzymek lead off in 24.14, breaking the District, pool and school record.
        Kelsey Herbst won the 200 and 500 frees going away, smashing district, pool and school records with fierce times of 1:52. 83 and 4:57.00. It was the fourth straight win in the 500 for Herbst. Jackie Rzymek defended her titles in the 100 butterfly and the 100 free, breaking her own District, pool and school records in the fly with a 57.32. In the 100 free she swam a personal best 53.35 to lead a 1-2-3 sweep, followed by Sara Anderson and Shanen Lazenby. 
        Kelsey Ferrante was the other double winner for McDowell, successfully defending her titles in the 200 IM with a 2:10.58 (pool record and second all-time for McDowell) and the 100 backstroke with a 58.97 (third all-time for McDowell). Two freshmen won events for McDowell: Shanen Lazenby in the 50 free (25.24) and Emma Swabb in the 100 breaststroke (freshmen record 1:07.70). Swabb's second place in the 200 IM was a freshman record 2:11.90. 
        Brandon and Kevin Intrieri went 1-2 in the 50 free, Brandon in 21.86 and Kevin in a freshman record 21.90. They went 2-4 in the 100 free, Brandon with a 47.55 (4th All-time) and Kevin in another freshman record of 48.39. Drew Dunsmore won the 500 free (4:57.21) and finished 2nd in the 200 free with a 1:47.59 (10th All-time).
        Wes Hansen won the 100 breast in 59.06 (5th All-time) and Kyle Lazenby finished second n the 100 back with a school record 52.30. The 200 medley relay placed second with a 1:35.10 but was 2.2 seconds under the District and pool record and was a new McDowell school record. Kyle Lazenby lead off in a school and pool record in the 50 back (24.20), followed by Hansen (26.10- fastest breast split All-time), Brandon Intrieri (23.18 - 4th All-time), and Kevin Intrieri (21.62). 
        The 200 free relay of Max Hrbal (23.12), Chris Mineo (23.66), Anthony Liotta (23.51) and Dunsmore (22.94) placed second in 1:33.23. 
        

Middle school water polo starts in April

Students at West Lake, J.S. Wilson and Walnut Creek Middle Schools will have the chance to learn and play water polo at the MIHS pool on Tuesdays and Thursdays in April starting April 7, 2009. The eight practices, supervised by coaches and players from McDowell water polo will run from 3:30-5:00 p.m. and are open to all 6th , 7th and 8th grade students in one of Millcreek's three middle schools. 
        There will be games for the participants on Saturday, April 18, and Saturday, May 2.  Participants must be able to swim at least 4 lengths (100 yards) and be able to tread water for an extended period of time. The only equipment necessary are goggles, suit and towel. Sign up at the MIHS pool lobby on Thursday, March 19, from 5 - 7 p.m. If you are unable to make the signup, email: jheynes@verizon.net. Cost is $50.00. Checks should be made payable to McDowell Aquatics. 

McDowell divers sweep boys and girls Districts

Bob Freeling repeated as Boys District Ten diving champion followed by three more McDowell Divers while Kristen Overholt lead a trio of Trojan girls at The Penn State Behrend pool. Freeling won a squeeker over teammate Kevin Hoderny (402.40 - 4:01.80). Gage Schwab placed third with 342.15, just shy of the freshman record. He already has the 6 dive freshman record. Nick Roberts completed the sweep with a fourth place score of 323.15. Hoderny's and Schwab's scores put them in the Trojan Top Ten for 11 dives. 

        Kristen Overholt won with 351.35 points, ahead of teammates Mackenzie Bello (341.00) and Morgan Pruckner (315.65). Overholt's and Bello's scores place them in the Top Ten performance of all time for McDowell diving.
        Freeling and Overholt advance to the PIAA State Championship in three weeks at Bucknell University.

McDowell women win 27th straight league title

The McDowell women's swim team beat Villa Maria 130-40 to finish a 27th straight unbeaten league season and a 27th straight league championship. McDowell won every event en route to a 16-0 overall record. Kelsey Ferrante, Emma Swabb, Kelsey Rzymek and Lauren Szoszorek won the 200 medley relay. Sarah Anderson, Ferrante, Kelsey Herbst and Jackie Rzymek won the 200 free relay. Anderson, Ferrante, Shanen Lazenby and Kelsey Herbst won the 400 free relay.
        Herbst also won the 200 and 500 frees, Jackie Rzymek won the 50 free and 100 butterfly, Ferrante won the 200 IM, Swabb won the 100 breast, Anderson won the 100 free, and Kelsey Rzymek won the 100 back. 


Freshman, pool records highlight wins

A new freshman 6 dive record and a new McDowell pool mark in the women's 400 free relay punctuated two more Region 3 wins for the Trojans. The men beat Meadville 124-61 featuring Gage Schwab's new freshman record of 197.80, breaking Matt Koket's score from 1987. The Trojans moved to 12-1 in the region and 13-2 over with a win over Central Tech 97-49.
        The women's team moved to 13-0 in Region 3 and 15-0 overall with victories over Meadville 117-67 and Central Tech 85-44. The Central win was capped by a McDowell pool record in the 400 free relay by sarah Anderson, Kelsey Ferrante, Kelsey Herbst, and Jackie Rzymek who bested their own mark from last season by 2 seconds with a 3:37.69. 
Quinn, Ripple, Radu place at JO meet

Isaac Ripple won the 100 butterfly in 1:19.26, and took second in 4 other 9-10 year old events at the Junior Olympic Meet at Bethel Park High School. He was second in the 50 breast (38.96), 100 breast (1:24.66), 200 free (2:26.04) and 200 IM (2:47.37).
        Maggie Radu placed in three 9-10 year old events. She was third in the 100 IM (1:19.76), and sixth in both the 50 free (32.54) and the 50 fly (36.02).
        Abby Quinn was runner up in the 11-12 100 butterfly (1:11.43). She placed fourth in the 50 breast (37.25), 7th in the 100 free (1:03.62), and 9^th in the 50 back (34.73).

New USA Swimming rules for 2009

Last fall USA Swimming prohibited the use high tech body suits for 12 and unders in USA Swimming competition. Swimsuits “shall not cover the neck, extend past the shoulder, nor past the knee.” Referees will bar from competition 12 and unders who do not comply with this rule. Exceptions may be made for those who have medical or religious requirements to wear a suit which covers more of the body but suits which provide a technological advantage (as promoted by the manufacturer) are still illegal. To get the medical/religious exemption, a written request must be made to the Chair of the USA Swimming Rules and Regulations Committee at least 10 days before the competition.
        The other rule change concerns the dolphin kick during a breaststroke pullout. Since FINA (the international swimming governing body) allows the dolphin kick to be taken any time after the start of the pullout (considered any lateral or downward movement of the hands or arms), USA Swimming will now allow this also. 

Herbst sets new school and pool record at home

Kelsey Herbst won the 200 freestyle at McDowell's home victory over Warren, with a 1:55.63, which broke her own school record set in 2007 (1:56.08), and the pool record set by Lauren Myrick in 2006. The 400 free relay of Herbst, Sarah Anderson, Kelsey Ferrante and Jackie Rzymek narrowly missed the pool record of 3:39.59 by going 3:39.60. McDowell moved to 10-0 in Region Three and 12-0 overall with the 114-70 win over the Dragons. The men's team stayed in second place in Region Three at 9-1 (10-2) after beating Warren 123-52. 

Herbst breaks own Behrend pool record in 500

Kelsey Herbst lead the McDowell Trojans to a Region 3 win over Mercyhurst, winning the 500 free in a Penn State Behrend pool record of 5:06.17. The time was a second under her own mark set in 2007 at the District Ten Championship. The Lady Trojans beat the Lakers 195-100 to stay unbeaten at 9-0 in Region 3 and 11-0 overall. 
       Herbst was on the winning 200 free relay with Jackie Rzymek, Sarah Anderson and Shanen Lazenby and the winning 400 free relay with Anderson, Kelsey Ferrante and Kelsey Rzymek. Ferrante was a quad winner, taking the 200 IM, 100 back and the 200 medley relay with Colleen Sheldon, Jackie Rzymek and Lazenby.  
        The men's team also won, 172-57, behind 4 wins by Wes Hansen who won the 50 free and was all three first place relays with Kyle Lazenby, Brandon Intrieri and Kevin Intrieri. 

Four pool records destroyed in Region 3 showdown

McDowell started it's battle with Cathedral Prep by smashing the pool record in the 200 medley relay and out-touching the Ramblers 1:37.96 - 1:38.24. Kyle Lazenby (25.14), Wes Hansen (26.90), Brandon Intrieri (23.62), and Kevin Intrieri (22.30) broke the 1997 mark by McDowell swimmers Jason Poniatowski, Anthony Vacanti, Ely Graycochea and Vinnie Pacinelli. Prep's team of Joseph Stark (24.86), Jon Weibel (27.12), Joseph Glowacki (23.89) and Ethan Chase (22.37) were also under the old standard.
       Prep lead after the 200 free, McDowell regained it after diving, and Prep went ahead after the 100 backstroke after Prep's Joseph Stark broke Patrick Mellors 2002 record of 53.05 by going 53.02. Down by five, the Trojans needed to go one-three in the 400 free relay tpo win, but fell short going 2-3. 
       On the women's side, McDowell won every event including two pool records to beat Villa Maria 121-57 to stay unbeaten and in first place in Region Three. Jackie Rzymek broke Ashley Fish's 2000 pool record of 58.00  in the 100 butterfly winning in 57.84. Kelsey Herbst broke her own McDowell pool standard in the 500 free by 4 seconds, going 5:06.32. It was the first time McDowell and Villa have swam since the 91-92 season, and the 26th straight win for the Trojans over the Victors. 
     
Three records fall as McDowell downs Warren

Three McDowell women swimmers broke Varsity meter records at the Warren YMCA as the Trojans beat the Dragons 117- 65. Kelsey Ferrante broke Nikkie DiLoreto's 1995 mark in the 200 meter IM with a 2:29.45 (old mark: 2:31.20). another DiLoreto record fell as Jackie Rzymek went 1:06.49 in the 100 fly (old time: 1:07.60). In the third record of the night, Kelsey Herbst broke her old one year standard in the 400 free by 2 and half seconds, going 4:31.01. The Lady Trojans stayed unbeaten in Region 3 and over all at 4-0, 6-0.
        In the boys meet, McDowell won every event in route to a 124-49 victory over Warren. The Trojans are now 4-0 in Region 3 and 5-1 overall. 

Women sweep Lebo, Seneca Valley in tri-meet

The McDowell women's team moved to 4-0 on the season with a 73-29 win over Mt. Lebanon and a 62-40 win over host Seneca Valley. Kelsey Ferrante and Kelsey Herbst each won 4 events and Jackie Rzymek won three. 

Men's teams splits at SV, breaks pool record

The McDowell men's Swimming and Diving team beat Seneca Valley 67-35 but fell to Mt. Lebanon 56-45. The meet started with the Trojans 200 medley relay breaking the Seneca Valley pool record. Kyle Lazenby, Wes Hansen, Brandon Intrieri and Keven Intrieri went 1:38.17 for the new mark. The Trojans. behind three wins by Brandon Intrieri lead most of the meet before Lebo passed them winning the last 3 events. McDowell is now 3-1 overall for the season. 

McDowell teams beat Mercyhurst, men break 400 free relay mark

The McDowell men and women beat Mercyhurst Prep 114-41 and 110-73, respectively, to stay unbeaten in Region Three at 2-0. The men's 400 free relay team of Wes Hansen, Kevin Intrieri, Kyle Lazenby and Brandon Intrieri broke the pool record with a 3:15.13. That bettered the 2003 mark by McDowell swimmers Jared Poniatowski, Brady Seiber, Darren Elias and Adam Fish. On the women's side, Lauren Szoszorek was a quad winner.

Swabb, Ripple break MIST records at Braun Meet    

Emma Swabb broke her own MIST record in the 13-14 200 breaststroke at the Mark Braun Meet at Cleveland State University, placing second with a 2:28.53. She took third in the 100 breaststroke at 1:10.04. 
        In the 10 and under category, Isaac Ripple broke Wes Hansen's 2001 team record in the 100 breaststroke with a 1:23.92 (old mark: 1:24.48). In the 500 free, Ripple destroyed John Krakowski's 1997 standard by 20 seconds, going 6:30.48 for third place. He was runner up in both the 50 and 100 breaststrokes, just missing the team record in the 50 with a 38.59. He placed fourth in both the 50 fly (35.17) and the 200 free (2:30.10).
        In the senior group, Jackie Rzymek placed third in the 50 free (24.73), Kelsey Ferrante took third in the 100 backstroke (59.81), Kyle Lazenby finished sixth in the 100 back (53.96), and Kesley Herbst placed sixth in the 500 free (5:13.79).  
        Swimming to best times were Alyson Codner (200 free- 2:29.37; 100 free- 1:08.96), Kathleen Lynch (50 fly - 40.88; 50 free (35.52; 100 IM - 1:26.75), Mackenzie McDonald (100 back - 1:12.85), Olivia Newport (50 fly - 41.75, 100 IM - 1:28.29), and Abby Quinn (100 breaststroke -- 1:21.84, 100 fly - 1:11.08, 100 free - 1:03.75). 

McDowell polo women sixth at states

After beating Cumberland Valley three times this season, including a win at the Beast of the East for fifth place, the Trojans came up half a second short of tying the game and forcing overtime. Instead, what would have been goalie Olivia DeDad's second goal of the game left her hand a slplit second after the buzzer sounded the end of the game. CV held on to a 7-6 win, taking fifth place at the State Championships and dropping McDowell to sixth. 
     Just 30 seconds before DeDad's shot skated under the CV goalie's right arm, DeDad had scored on the same play to pull the Trojans within one point, 6-7. With a 35 second shot clock, the host Eagles could run out the game clock with safe passes. Instead, while McDowell tried in vain for a steal, a CV player inexplicably dumped the ball in the corner with 1.6 seconds on the clock, stopping the game clock on a stalling call. McDowell called time-out and tried to repeat the same play that had scored moments previous, but the shot game a hair too late. Jackie Rzymek and Sarah Anderson scored twice and Kelsey Herbst added one to Dedad's goal.
       Earlier in the tournament, McDowell lost to fourth seed Governor Mifflin 6-5, and top seed North Penn 6-2, before beating Wyoming Valley West 12-2 to gain the fifth place game. Against the Mifflin Mustangs, Anderson lead McDowell with four goals and Jackie Rzymek and Herbst had two each. Kelsey Rzymek and Colleen Sheldon were the lone Trojan scorers in the North Penn game, while Herbst lead all scorers against the Spartans with four. 
        North Penn beat Wilson to claim the championship, while Souderton beat Governor Mifflin for third.
        McDowell's Kelsey Herbst was named  First Team All-State, while Olivia DeDad was selected to the Second Team, Sarah Anderson to Third Team, and Jackie Rzymek to Honorable Mention.

North Allegheny knocks off Trojans

In a game to decide the outright Western Division Championship, North Allegheny beat McDowell 9-7 at Gzrove City College. Down 1-3 after the first period and 3-6 at the half, the Trojans pulled even at 7 in the fourth period, behind Drew Dunsmore's two man-up goals. McDowell could hold out in the stretch, dropping to 3-2 and second place in the division. Kyle Lazenby and Cody Capwill also scored twice, and Tyler Perkins added one.
        Both teams advance to the state championship Nov. 7-8 at North Penn High School. 

Trojans beat Prep to tie for first in Division

Kyle Lazenby scored six times to lead McDowell to a 13-13 victory over Prep at Central Tech High School. Brandon Intrieri had three goals and Wes Hansen and Cody Capwill added two each as McDowell pulled even with first place North Allegheny in the Western Division at 3-1. The Trojans face the Tigers in a tie breaker game on Tuesday,  Oct. 28 at 6:00 p.m. at Grove City College to decide the Division Championship. Both teams are already qualified for the STATE Championship, Nov. 7-8 at North Penn High School.

6 MIST swimmers open short course season at Woodland Hills

All six MIST swimmers who competed in the First Splash Meet at Woodland Hills recorded personal best times in addition to swimming other longer events for the first time. Alyson Codner, Steven Owens and Isaac Ripple all swam the 200 free all placing in the top 20 in their age groups. Alyson went 2:35.71, Steven 3:03.42, and Isaac 2:30.36. 
        Isaac won the 100 breast (1:27.34), and placed second in the 50 breast (38.65), 200 IM (2:54.83) and 200 free. Maggie Radu was third in the 50 back (37.82), and 6th in the 100 fly (1:26.94). Steven Owens was 4th in the 50 back (42.05) and 6th in the 100 fly (1:39.38). Alexa Dunn, also in the 9-10 age group was 6th in the 100 back (1:39.01).
      In the 11-12 age group Alyson Codner was 11th in the 100 breast (1:3176). Kristin Owens placed 9th in the 13-14 100 fly (1:21.18). 

McDowell women win 8th straight league title

Three goals each by Kelsey Ferrante and Ashley Green lead McDowell to a 9-5 win over Fairview and the school's eighth straight Western Division championship. Shannon Lazenby scored twice and Lauren Szoszorek once, as the Trojans moved to 14-5 overall. In goal, Elizabeth Causgrove blocked 9 shots. 

Women's polo team fifth at Beast of the East

McDowell beat Germantown Academy 11-2 to place fifth among 20 teams in the Beast of the East Tournament. McDowell went 5-1 on the weekend to raise its record to 13-5. The team opened at Pottsville High School with a win over The Hill School 11-2. Kelsey Herbst scored 5 goals, and Sarah Anderson three. The Trojans then lost to Souderton 8-4 with Jackie Rzymek leading McDowell with 2. A 9-4 win over Pottsville advance McDowell to the Second Flight at Governor Mifflin High School, where they romped over Cumberland Valley 10-4 and Wissahickon 13-1. Herbst scored 5 goals in the first game and 3 in the second. Colleen Sheldon had two in the win over CV while Anderson scored four times vs. Wissahickon. 
        In the Flight Two Championship game, Jackie Rzymek had 4 goals, and Herbst 3. In the final two games goalie Olivia DeDad allowed only three goals while feeding the Trojan counterattack with 4 assists. 
        On the boys' side, McDowell lost to Penn Charter 11-5 and Souderton 12-5 before rebounding against Pottsville 13-10 to advance to Flight Three competition at Muhlenberg High School. There they lost to Haverford 15-7 and beat Wyoming Valley West 10-9. Wes Hansen and Brandon Intrieri led all scorers with ten goals each, while Drew Dunsmore added 8 and Cody Capwill 6. McDowell now stands at 11-9. 
         Both teams will next compete in league play at the October 10-11 East-West Crossover Tournament at Cumberland Valley High School

NA, Trojans split in Western Division water polo

North Allegheny defeated the McDowell men 10-5 to tie the Trojans for first place in the Western Division. Both teams are now 2-1. The McDowell women's team stayed perfect in the Division at 4-0, with a 10-4 victory over the Tigers.  
     On the men's side, Wes Hansen scored three times and Kyle Lazenby twice. Brian Shapter recorded 11 saves versus the 10 goals against, including a 5 meter penalty shot.  For the women, Colleen Sheldon, Stephanie Torok, Kelsey Herbst and Ashley Green all had two goals each. Olivia DeDad blocked 8 shots, two of which were man-down. 

Women beat Fairview, men beat Prep

The women's and Men's water polo teams stayed unbeaten in Western Division action leading into the second showdown with North Allegheny. The women knocked off Fairview 11-7 with 9 different Trojans scoring. Jackie Rzymek and Sarah Anderson lead with two goals each. 
         The men jumped up early on Prep as Drew Dunsmore's and Kyle Lazenby's each scored period hat tricks. Ahead 8-2 after one, the Trojans held on to win 14-9. Brandon Intrieri and Tyler Perkins also scored three times, while Cody Capwill and Wes Hansen added single tallies. 
     The women moved to 7-4 overall. The men are now 9-5.

McDowell men and women beat NA

The McDowell men's water polo team defeated Western Division rival North Allegheny High School 7-6 and the women beat NA 8-3 at North Allegheny High School. The Trojan men start league action at 1-0, while the women are now 2-0. The men's team later lost to Cumberland Valley 17-9 and Governor Mifflin 12-5. The women lost to Mifflin 9-3 and beat Cumberland Valley 9-4

Herbst, Georger set new team records

Kelsey Herbst established new MIST records in the 800 meter and 1500 meter freestyles at the Niagara Long Course Meet at the University of Buffalo. She took 5th in the 800 with a 9:39.26 and 7th in the mile with a 18:35.11. Georger broke her team records in the prelims of the 100 backstroke with a 1:07.80 (old mark: 1:08.12). 
         Joseph Glowacki qualified for the USA Eastern Zone Super Sectional Meet in the 100 meter butterfly.
  
McDowell physicals for water polo and swimming - June 28

New PIAA rules now allow one doctor's physical to suffice for all sports all seasons in one school year. McDowell is offering physicals on Saturday morning, June 28 at the high school. Students must bring the NEW packet of forms (available at school offices and at the MIHS pool. The forms must be completely filled out and signed by a parent. The fee is $8.00 (checks payable to Millcreek Township School District). Students who get a private physical must also use the new forms and have everything completed by the first day of practice (Aug, 11 for water polo; Nov. 10 for Swimming and Diving).

New MIST records at two meets

Four MIST swimmers at two different meets -- The Busbey Meet at Cleveland State and the Summer Celebration at Mt. Lebanon -- broke team records on the last weekend in June. In Cleveland, Marie Georger broke two of her own marks in the 13-14 200 IM (2:31.40; old mark: 2:33.40 in 2007) and the 200 back (2:25.41; old mark: 2:25.78). The 200 back was a first place. Emma Swabb lowered her own record in the 13-14 200 breast (3:01.50; old mark: 3:02.37). Kelsey Herbst broke Alicia Sutton's 2003 record in the senior 400 meter free with a 4:43.43 (old mark: 4:44.84). 
    At Mt. Lebanon, Isaac Ripple beat Wesley Hansen's 2001 record in the 9-10 100 meter breaststroke with a 1:38.93 (old mark: 1:39.03). He won the 100 breast, placed second in the 50 breast, and third in the 100 fly, 50 fly, and 200 IM. Abby Quinn placed 8th in the 11-12 50 fly at Mt. Lebo, and took 10th in the 100 breast. 

Georger, Swabb set long course records

Marie Georger won the 100 and 200 meter backstrokes at the Youngstown State Senior Circuit Meet going 1:08.65 and 2:25.78. The 200 was a new MIST record for 13-14 years, breaking Marie own mark from last year (2:27.23). In prelims, Marie broke her own MIST record in the 100 free with a 1:04.06 (old record: 1:04.79).                             .
        Emma Swabb broke Rachel Rzymek’s record in the 100 breast and Kayla Smith’s mark in the 200 breast with a 1:22.12 and a 3:02.37, both in prelims. The old marks, both from 2003, were 1:22.39 and 3:05.18.           .
        At the June Age Group Open Meet at Hampton’s outdoor pool, Marie Georger and Kelsey Ferrante each won senior events. Marie took the 100 meter fly in 1:12.49, while Kelsey captured the100 back in 1:12.22.                              .
        Emily Wujcik placed third in the 13-14 200 free (2:52.16) and fifth in the 100 fly (1:33.99).

Ripple Effect: Isaac wins 2 at Classic

Isaac Ripple started the summer long course season, winning the 10 and under 50 and 100 breaststrokes at the JCC Classic Meet in Monroeville. He went 46.41 in the 50 and 1:40.54 in the 100. He placed third in the 200 IM (3:15.95) and fourth in the 50 fly (39.95) for a total of 29 points. 
     Emma Swabb won the 13-14 100 breaststroke in a personal best 1:21.74. She was third in the 100 back (1:17.58) and sixth in the 100 free (1:07.18) for a total of 18 points. Swimming in their first long course meet, ten-year-olds Alison Codner and Maggie Radu scored for MIST with top 8 performances. Codner was seventh in the 100 breast (1:49.84) and 10th in the 100 free. Radu was sixth in the 50 fly (41.84), seventh in the 50 back (44.89), and eighth in the 100 free (1:26.16).
     In the senior events, Marie Georger placed fourth in the 400 IM (5:27.75), Kelsey Herbst was eighth in the 100 back (1:17.24), and Lauren Kozuchowsky finished fifth in the 200 back (2:42.64). In the 11-12 girls, Abby Quinn was seventh and ninth respectively in the 50 and 100 breaststrokes, while MacKenzie McDonald was 11th in the 50 back and 12th in the 50 breast.