Franklin Regional swimming on verge of big things in Class 2A

By: Paul Schofield
Saturday, December 14, 2024 | 11:01 AM

The Franklin Regional girls swimming team is on the verge of something big.

The team dropped to Class 2A, and with the majority of the squad made up of juniors and sophomores, second-year coach Dan Taylor is excited about the future.

“The girls are in a good spot for the next two years,” Taylor said. “They have a chance at being pretty good. We are still young, but we have shown good strides.”

Taylor said there is a good group of girls in middle school, which will reinforce the team next year.

Junior Maggie Hull, sophomore Scarlet Zolnak, sophomore Aidah Holm, sophomore Jamie Kociela and junior Amelia Oates are expected to lead the way.

Hull will compete in the 200 and 500 freestyle, Zolnak in the 100 backstroke and 200 freestyle, Holm the 100 butterfly and the 100 freestyle, Kociela the 50 and 100 freestyle and Oates the 200 IM and 100 breaststroke.

“Last year, we focused on training and learning me and how I teach,” Taylor said. “High school swimming is a lot different than club and middle school. I am excited to see them grow.”

The other girls competing include sophomore Caroline Shirley, junior Anna Sechrist and sophomore Phoebe Boswell.

The boys are in a rebuilding mode. Taylor must try to replace Thomas Holden, who finished second in the PIAA in the backstroke, and Ben Holm.

Holden is attending George Washington and Holm is at IUP.

The Panthers sent 10 boys and 10 girls to WPIALs last winter.

Senior Eric Lingg, who will compete in the 200 and 500 freestyle and both relays, is the top scorer returning.

Taylor said he expects a big season for Lingg.

Also back are sophomore Andrew Silvis and senior Joey Kvocak.

Silvis swims the 100 backstroke and Kvocak the 50 and 100 freestyle.

Junior Peter Ducruet, junior Christopher Wu, sophomore Lucas Oates and senior Mackinley Miller are back.

“We have a good group coming up next year,” Taylor said. “So, we should be good the next couple of years.”

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

Tags: Franklin Regional