Norwin swimmers eye improvement this season

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, November 27, 2017 | 11:00 PM

Things are looking up for the Norwin boys and girls swimming teams.

Almost everyone who competed for the Knights at the WPIAL Class AAA championship meet last season is expected back.

“We have a number of returning swimmers who will provide experience and leadership, and our new swimmers will add depth,” Knights coach Neil Rushnock said.

The Knights scored no points at the WPIAL championships.

Their best finish came in the boys 200-yard freestyle relay event, in which they were 21st.

Seniors Carson Shipley, Joey Astrab and Jarrett DeFoor come back from that team.

The girls posted their finest showing, 24th place, in a similar event with two freshmen and two sophomores competing.

The girls 400 freestyle relay also had two freshmen and two sophomores.

Tessa Czajowski, Courtney Kosanovich, Kristy Juart, Shelby Yusko and Allie Plassio are returning girls.

Shipley (boys 100 backstroke) was the Knights' top individual.

Astrab expects improvement, but said it will take a lot of effort.

“This year is going to be good if we work 100 percent,” he said.

The Knights will open the season Dec. 12 at home in a nonsection meet against Derry. Their first Section 1-AAA competition will be Jan. 4 at Connellsville.

Rushnock said the goals for both teams are to win as many meets as possible and have “as many swimmers as we can” qualify for the WPIAL championships.

Karen Kadilak is a freelance writer.

Tags: Norwin