In early season, Fox Chapel swimmers work to put successful process in place

By: Josh Rizzo
Saturday, December 16, 2023 | 11:01 AM

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Fox Chapel swimming coach Matthew Mauclair wanted to embrace setting up a success process for all athletes in the program to follow.

What is most important to Mauclair is what the Foxes can accomplish when no one is watching.

“That’s what breeds results and champions,” Mauclair said. “If you want to qualify for states and swim fast times, you want to be consistent during practices. That’s what I’m trying to emphasize. There are a lot of things these athletes are asked to do during school … and (in sports). When you are between the lane ropes for those two hours during practice, we ask you to stay personal and stay in the moment. We want to embrace whatever the set and interval can give you.”

The Fox Chapel boys swimming program brings back a pair of strong returning state qualifiers in Owen Howell and Christian Dantey. Dantey placed ninth in the 200 freestyle at the PIAA Class 2A championships last season. Howell placed ninth in the 200 IM.

“They are great friends and are both breaststroke specialists,” Mauclair said. “They are also involved with several relay teams.”

Henry Koloc and Oscar Ruff are expected to team up with Howell and Dantey on relay teams as well. Mauclair also expects some young swimmers to work their way into their lineup when they figure out what their best events are.

“We have a couple of freshmen that are coming in and need to understand the work and consistency to compete,” Mauclair said. “We have a strong crew.”

On the girls side, Margaret Rusche, Charlotte Rusche, Josephine Stanczak, Sarah Huang and Sarah Pasquella will all be counted on to contribute.

Pasquella recently competed at junior nationals.

Mauclair is excited to see how this team will grow as the year goes on. The Foxes are focusing the early part of the season heavily on development.

“It’s fun because we have so may options,” Mauclair said. “I’m a big believer that every athlete has the right to ask what we are doing when we ask them to do certain events. We aren’t asking them to swim in off events all year, but we want them to do it so they become more comfortable in the water. It’s about developing strength and how the body moves. Then when you come back to your comfort zone you are more powerful and have confidence.”

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