The Tyrone swim teams had a rocky start to Thursday’s meet due to senior night and issues with the quality of the pool water, but the evening ended happily for the Golden Eagles with a double win over visiting Northern Cambria.  

“We definitely rushed warm ups because of pictures and senior night,” said Coach Tom Getz.

Then rumors spread on the pool deck about the meet possibly being postponed or even forfeited due to the condition of the pool water, which was cloudier than normal.

According to Getz, an official brought to his attention that the clarity of the water was a concern for the safety of the swimmers. If the officials had found the water inadequate, the Tyrone teams would likely have to forfeit to meet.

Thankfully, the pool was deemed safe for swimmers, and the meet was allowed to begin.

The boys finished with a comfortable winning score of 98-36, while the girls won a close meet 89-78.

“The meet went excellent,” Getz said. “Both teams swam well and had great races.”

To download the complete meet results, click below:

Tyrone vs. Northern Cambria 2-4-16

Girls: Tyrone- 89, Northern Cambria- 78

The relay team of Allison Hosko, Gwen Dougherty, Emily Beam and Abby Luensmann won two first places in the 200 and 400 free relay.

“We had a bad start with the pool visibility,” senior Kayla Bilger stated, “but then had a good end with both teams winning.”

Getz commented that the event that really secured the girls for their win was the 100 breaststroke, where Hosko and Dougherty earned second and third for the team.

“The meet went really well,” senior Beam said. “It was an exciting night and both the girls and boys worked hard for their wins .”

Beam placed first in her 100 butterfly and improved by a second from the last meet.

Two other girls scored first for the team. Luensmann won the 50 free, while Hosko placed in the 100 free. Hosko also worked off a second in the 100 breaststroke.

Dougherty improved in both of her individual events, dropping six seconds in the 200 IM and a second on the 100 breast. In the 100 backstroke, both Olivia Thomas and Taylor Hoover reduced their personal times. Thomas dropped two seconds, while Hoover had seven seconds off her time.

Boys: Tyrone- 98, Northern Cambria- 36

In all three relay events, the Tyrone boys swept, claiming first for each one.

“I think we did really well,” said junior Austin Quinn. “Both teams won, so it’s good that the seniors went out with a victory.”

Getz suggests that the event that set up the boys for a win was the 200 free, where Tyrone boys Blake Slobodnik, Collin Rhoades and Quinn stole first, second and third place.

Double first places went to Slobodnik in the 200 and 500 free. Another win was scored by senior Ben McConnell in the 50 free and 100 breast. He improved in his 100 breast time by two seconds.

“We did really well,” said senior Chase Maceno. “Our improvements are [showing] well, especially for after a two week break.”

Single first places were won by Bryce Bauer in the 100 back and senior Rhoades in the 100 free. Bauer improved in his event by two seconds. Rhoades dropped time in the 200 free by an impressive five seconds.

The only other improving time was by freshman Carter Maceno in the 500 free. He worked an incredible 17 seconds off his personal best.

“Especially with a double win, senior night [was] special,” Getz said.

Seniors agreed that they loved the blanket, the posters, and winning the final home meet.

“Senior night went really well,” said Beam. “Everyone really seemed to enjoy it.”

The team will compete again at Altoona on Monday.