BVA fourth at WPIAL swimming championships
By DEAN DELLAMALVA JR.
MVI Sports
It was a historic night for the Belle Vernon Area boys swim team and seniors Ian Shahan and Sam West at Upper St. Clair High School during the WPIAL Class 2A swimming championships.
The Leopards finished fourth in the team standings with 164.5 points, behind champion Hampton, Northgate and Riverside. Shahan and West each won four medals during the event.
Shahan added two more individual WPIAL golds to his resume with his third consecutive win in the 100 butterfly and another in the 50 freestyle, which he shared with Neshannock’s Conner McBeth.
The win in the butterfly set a pool record. The shared win in the 50 free was a pool and WPIAL record as both swimmers touched the wall in 20.36 seconds.
“That made for an interesting race, it really did,” Shahan said of the tie. “I’m happy either way. We both took home a gold and we both have the pool and WPIAL record. I really don’t think there’s anything to complain about in that regard.”
Shahan’s other two medals were in the 200 and 400 freestyle relays. West also was a part of those relays and took home individual medals with a fifth in the 200 free and a third in the 100 free.
West was pleased with his performance, but is still hoping for opportunities at the PIAA level.
“I’ll definitely take it, I basically went how I was seeded,” West said. “My main goal is to go to states. Last year, I was seeded 17th in states and didn’t get the chance to swim it. This year I was hoping to do just enough to get there.”
“Sam (West) did a great job. He’s a highly motivated, goal-centered individual,” BVA head coach Rob Reda said. “I just remember when he first started swimming with us as a freshman, what he looked like back then compared to what he looks like now is night and day.
“He and his family should be very proud of his accomplishments in the pool and in the classroom. He ended the season very well. Hopefully we make it to states and have one more race in us.”
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