Penn-Trafford’s Patton Graziano wins 2 gold medals at WCCA meet to lead Water Warriors

By: Paul Schofield
Sunday, February 4, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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Penn-Trafford senior swimmer Patton Graziano turned in another top performance at the Westmoreland County Coaches’ Association meet Jan. 27.

He was among 10 Water Warriors to earn medals at the annual meet at Derry.

Graziano won the boys 100-yard freestyle and 100 backstroke. He also was on the 200 medley relay team that placed second and the 200 freestyle relay team that placed third.

He is the reigning WPIAL Class 3A 100 freestyle champion and has the fourth fastest time in the 100 freestyle so far this season. He also is ranked second in the backstroke.

Joining him on the on both relays were senior Conner Alexander and sophomore Aaron Burdell. Junior Nick Truschel was on the 200 medley relay, and sophomore Nick Marucci competed on the 200 freestyle relay.

Sophomore Laela Whetstone also had a strong performance at the WCCA meet, placing second in the 100 free and third in the 50 free. She holds a WPIAL top 10 time in the girls 50 freestyle.

Alexander earned two individual medals after placing third in the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke.

The boys’ 400 freestyle relay team of senior Gabriel Yant, senior Jacob Alfieri, freshman Daniel Owoc and sophomore Nick Marucci finished fourth.

Senior Samantha Wolfe placed fifth in the diving while Burdell placed sixth in the 50 freestyle.

Taking a break

The Penn-Trafford hockey team returned to action after the all-star break and played at South Fayette on Feb. 1.

The Warriors dropped a 4-3 decision to the Lions in their last game Jan. 22.

With five games left in the regular season, the Warriors (6-6-3, 15 points) are in seventh place and looking for a strong finish.

The were to host North Hills on Feb. 6, will face rival Franklin Regional on Feb. 12, host Armstrong on Feb. 19 and travel to North Hills on Feb. 26.

Bryce Kropczynski is the leading scorer with 28 points (12 goals, 16 assists). Cam Kiste and Marco Ferraccio each had 13 points. Kiste had 10 assists and Ferraccio had nine goals.

Freshman Tyler Funk has been strong in goal since joining the team in December.

Cheers for spirit squad

The Penn-Trafford competitive spirit squad placed fourth at the PIAA championships Jan. 27, in Hershey.

The team placed fourth at WPIALs and will next compete at the national championships in Walt Disney World.

The Warriors competed in the Class 3A Large Varsity Division at the WPIAL championships, which was won by rival Hempfield for the fourth time. This was the 10^th time the team has qualified for the state competition.

Members of the squad are Addison Goldsworthy, Alexandra Schmidt, Allie Pula, Ava Fedore, Brynlee Echard, Cheyenne Juarez, Delaney Miklos, Gianna Botti, Gianna Ferrari, Gionna Batts, Jillian Porter, Jordyn Ridley, Kaitlyn Long, Kendell Campbell, Kylie Colamarino, Lyla Hofmeister, Madison Kral, Marissa Botti, Morgan McBriar, Nina Marucci, Olivia Egnor, Rachel Walker, Rylee Vovaris, Samantha Svoboda, Scarlett Lakly, Sophia Lecce and Sydney Sparks.

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: Penn-Trafford