By JEREMY SELLEW
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The Belle Vernon Area swim team was one of the last teams to register when it arrived at Bucknell University for the PIAA championships on Thursday, March 12.
After the nearly four hour ride, the Leopards got to see the Class 3A times and excitement started to build for their Class 2A championships set for Friday and Saturday.
Then the meet was immediately postponed and the Leopards were forced back into the school vans and headed home. Just like that.
“I think we were more shocked that anything,” BVA coach Rob Reda said. “We were all ready and excited. Needless to say, it was a long ride home. The main question on the ride home was when will the PIAA hold it, which there is no definite answer. The hardest part is the waiting and not knowing.”
The disgruntled BVA contingent comprised Sam West, Cody Danto, Garrett Ursiny, Luke Miller, Nick Reda and Delaney Patterson.
But one of the most disappointed Leopards was Ian Shahan, who was looking to defend his state championship in the 100 butterfly and 100 freestyle.
“Initially I was angry and disappointed, but looking back on it now, I think the right decision was made and it just happened to be at a bad time for swimmers,” Shahan said of the postponement.
Now, he’s not sure if he’ll get the chance to defend those gold medals. The PIAA announced Monday that the winter sports championships are still postponed as of now. The announcement was made just hours before Gov. Tom Wolf extended the closing of all state schools indefinitely.
“I was looking forward to some good competition from some seniors that I competed against last year. It’s awful that they may not get to swim their final meet if it is canceled,” Shahan said. “I am thankful that I do have another chance next year as a senior (if they do cancel).”
Shahan said he was in a great position heading into the state meet, confident he was going to be able to repeat in his events.
“I felt amazing and was ready to pop off some good times,” Shahan added. “I was just starting to taper and hadn’t shaved for WPIALs. I trusted in my training and coaching. I was definitely ready.”
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