Penn-Trafford swimmer Paszek eyes school record, PIAAs

By: Karen Kadilak
Friday, February 14, 2020 | 7:45 PM

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Penn-Trafford senior swimmer Corina Paszek, who committed to compete for Clarion next season, will have a couple of incentives at the WPIAL Class AAA championship meet Feb. 27-28 at Pitt.

“One of my goals is to break the 200 (individual medley) school record again and qualify for a spot at states,” she said. “Hopefully, by doing this, I can secure an important role on the Clarion team.”

Paszek ranked eighth in WPIAL Class AAA in the 200-yard individual medley in 2 minutes, 10.65 seconds as of Feb. 10. She was a gold medalist at the Westmoreland County Coaches Association championship in January.

Clarion coach Brehan (Heebner) Kelley feels lucky to have landed Paszek.

“She is going to immediately fill a slot we have been looking to fill in the IMs and a number of other events,” Kelley said.

Paszek said a new pool, as well as an academic offering she plans to pursue, lured her to the Division II school.

“The Speech Language (Pathology) program is one of the best around,” she said.

Penn-Trafford Dave Babik believes Paszek will be a great addition to the Golden Eagles.

“She is a hard worker with great technique,” he said. “More importantly, she is a great person.”

Paszek is one of three Warriors who will be in medal contention at the WPIAL championship.

Juniors Ben Yant (50, 100 and 200 freestyles) and Austin Prokopec (200 and 500 freestyles) are listed in the top eight in WPIAL Class AAA boys.

Prokopec, who set a meet record (4:49.22) in the 500 freestyle at the Westmoreland County Coaches Association championship, said he is working on the little things to perfect every part from start to finish.

Babik expects the three swimmers to live up to their rankings.

“It will be fun to watch,” he said.

Tags: Penn-Trafford