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UNIVERSITY PARK -- Five area high schools will have swimmers competing today and Saturday at the Penn State Natatorium in the District 6 Class 2A-3A Boys and Girls Swimming and Diving Championships.
On the line is a trip to the state championships at Bucknell University to be held on March 12-15.
Among the area competitors will be two returning individual champions, Hollidaysburg sophomore Kaden Henderson in the Class 3A boys 50-yard freestyle and Central Cambria junior Ethan Haycisak in the Class 2A boys 500 freestyle.
Also, Tyrone has three members of its 2024 Class 2A boys 200 free relay championship team back -- Isaac Yeskey, Lucas Bonsell and Cameron Gallagher.
Here's a closer look at each of the five area schools:
Altoona
Altoona will send 11 girls and five boys to Penn State under coach Brian Kephart for the 3A competition.
"My coaches and I are really looking forward to seeing our 16 swimmers compete this weekend at districts at Penn State," Kephart said. "We can't wait to see these young people showcase their talents at a championship-level meet. They will represent Altoona the very best they know how. They have great pride in their sport, their school record and in themselves."
Competing for the Altoona girls are Vida Blanco, Addison Fox, Gracie Gioiosa, Sofia Hallinan, Ella Heverly, Sydney Hockenos, Charlie Kephart, Andie Kephart, Lana Luke, Graycie Price and Izzy Wolford.
Representing the boys team are Seth Beere, Colton Chathams, Luke Mitchell, Greg Wenzel and Trevor Wilson.
Claysburg-Kimmel
New to the high school scene this year is Claysburg-Kimmel freshman Alexys Tomlinson, who is the first-ever swimmer from C-K to compete at the district level. She will swim in the 2A field.
She swam independently at all the area local schools to achieve her time standards to qualify for Penn State, according to her coach, Tiffany Tomlinson, Alexys' mother.
"She has competed in all the events all season," Tiffany Tomlinson said, pointing out she started at age 7 at the Blair Regional YMCA. "She is swimming the 200 IM as well as the 100 breast and will swim both days (at PSU). Unfortunately being she is independent, we are not eligible for any relay events."
Central Cambria
As usual, the Red Devils program has qualified a multitude of swimmers for the 2A competition.
"In preparation for the district championships, our goal has always been to prepare the entire team to swim personal bests," Central Cambria coach Amy Haycisak said. "All season they put in the hard work. I am pleased with where we are seeded. Now is the time for it all to come together."
Competing for the Lady Red Devils are Lindsey Hodge, Abby McMullen, Maddy Wandel, Kendall Magulick, Bryn Wandel, Jaycee Kleinstuber, Hallie Amenti, Karlee Nileski and Kathleen Hodge. Making it for the boys team are Alex Burns, Tanner Braniff, Everett Devlin, Ethan Haycisak, Angelo Persio, Liam O'Brien, Tommy Corcoran and Giles Westrick.
Hollidaysburg
Henderson competed last season at the PIAA state championships at Bucknell University, and he is hoping, along with some of his teammates, for a return trip.
Henderson, who competed in the 50 freestyle in Lewisburg last season, is competing in the 100 butterfly and 100 breaststroke this weekend.
"Our team has diligently trained for and honed the execution of the moments to come," Tigers coach Baron Leonard said. "The final element needed for our success as a team is that the knowledge is imminent."
Joining Henderson on the boys side this weekend include Andrew Shanafelt, Sebastian Diaz, Yvan Chen, Caleb Myers, Kaleb Swalga and Charlie Pollock. The Lady Tigers will be led by Addison Smith, Lily Davis, Jackie Bevan, Adalai Carney, Maya Grinberg, Kiri Dougherty, Kara Neeley, Bailey Henry and Marta Rebollo.
"Our swimmers put in the work this season ... early mornings, late nights and a relentless drive. Now it's time to see it all play off at districts. Their support for each other and their team-first mentality sets them apart."
Tyrone
The Golden Eagles are led on the boys side by Luke Bonsell, Owen Dunklebarger, Dylan Eckenrode, Cameron Gallagher, Chase Gallagher, Eric Goodman, Caleb Miller, Cameron Nelson, Ned Smearman, Patrick VanKluenen and Isaac Yeskey.
"We have some kids seeded very well in individual events, and our relays are seeded good, too," Tyrone coach Tom Getz said. "It's going to be a very competitive meet, but I think we can compete if they swim the way the have been the last few weeks."
The Lady Eagles competing this weekend include Grace Corle, Adalyn Jefferies, Sophia Cowher, Blake Pennington and Julie Kraft.
"Our goal is to drop some time and get kids on the podium," Getz said. "If we do that, we have a chance to get more swimmers on to the state meet."