Locals ready for state swimming meet in Canton
A strong contingent of swimmers will represent the 21 WFMJ viewing area at the state swimming & diving meet at the Canton Natatorium.
More than 20 individuals and 10 relay teams from 10 different schools in Mahoning, Trumbull & Columbiana Counties are participating.
Some of the athletes return multiple times.
"I really hope to showoff my skills because it's the last time as a high school swimmer," said Boardman senior Gina DiNapoli, who's back at the meet for a fourth straight year.
"I really hope to show off and I'm going to have to have my best times and I hope all the hard work it'll pay off."
DiNapoli is competing in the 200 Medley Relay, 200 Freestyle Relay & 100 Butterfly.
Ian Vandervort of Poland is back for a third time and says that takes some of the pressure off but it is still the biggest championship in the state.
"It's very exciting and especially hard to do at the D-1 level,"said Boardman's Alex Taylor. The sophomore is competing in the 200 Medley Relay, 200 Freestyle Relay, 50 Free & 100 free.
Boardman senior Matthew Amendol says he wants to make his state swim meet appearance one last adventure.
Fellow Spartan Zachary Mihok says the experience from a year ago is what boosting his confidence for this years competition.
This years meet is special to Canfield senior Katie Weibling who's making her initial appearance at the meet.
"I've been really close the last couple of years so I'm really happy in my senior year that I'm able to go," said Weibling adding she was more nervous for the district meet.
Competition starts with diving followed by the swimming events.
