Cougars Dominate Wyoming Valley Conference Swimming Opener

The Hazleton Area Cougars delivered a commanding performance in their Wyoming Valley Conference swimming opener, defeating the Wyoming Area Warriors with a score of 94-82. The meet, held on March 15, 2024, showcased the talents of several standout swimmers from Hazleton, particularly on the girls’ team.

Lorelei Lucas, Lia Ochs, and Mariannyi Brache-Minaya each secured two individual victories in the competition. Lucas excelled in the 200-yard freestyle and the 100 butterfly, while Ochs dominated the 200 individual medley and the 500 freestyle. Brache-Minaya triumphed in both the 50 freestyle and the 100 breaststroke. In addition to individual successes, the Cougars also claimed victory in all three relay events, with Lucas, Ochs, and Brache-Minaya contributing to those wins.

The performance of the Hazleton Area boys’ team was equally impressive, as they overpowered the Warriors with a score of 125-27. Double winners for the Cougars included Chase Kaschak, who excelled in the 200 freestyle and 100 butterfly, and Cason Machey, who won both the 200 individual medley and the 100 backstroke. Teammates Cody Scholl and Wellington Reyes also contributed with victories in the 500 freestyle and 100 breaststroke, respectively. The boys’ team, like the girls, swept the relay events.

Schuylkill League Highlights

In other swimming action, the Schuylkill League featured several noteworthy performances. The Schuylkill Haven boys’ team triumphed over Mahanoy Area with a decisive score of 106-13. Ethan Miller set a new record for the Haven in the 100-yard butterfly, marking a significant achievement for the team. The only victory for Mahanoy Area was secured by Blake Brown, who won the 1-backstroke.

The North Schuylkill boys’ team also had a successful meet, defeating Shamokin with a score of 105-46. Standout performances came from Brendan Fetterolf, who won both the 200 freestyle and 100 breaststroke, David Luna, who took first in the 200 individual medley and 500 freestyle, and Owen Mentzer, who excelled in the 50 freestyle and 100 backstroke. Teammate Fabrizio Mangianello also finished first in the 100 freestyle.

Girls’ Events in Schuylkill League

In the girls’ events, Schuylkill Haven defeated Mahanoy Area with a score of 80-49. Lily Brown took both the 200 individual medley and 100 breaststroke, leading the Lady Bears to victory. Additional wins came from Kendall Kardisco in the 100 butterfly and McKenzie Scully in the 100 backstroke, while Cali Stauffer excelled for Haven, winning both sprint races.

North Schuylkill’s girls’ team achieved a convincing win over Shamokin, finishing with a score of 96-21. The Lady Spartans were led by Keira Blozousky, who won both the 200 freestyle and 100 butterfly, and Katelyn Nahodil, who claimed victories in the 200 individual medley and 500 freestyle. Kamryn Wolfe also had a strong showing, winning both the 50 freestyle and 100 backstroke. Additional first-place finishes were registered by Annabelle Bennett in diving and Elizabeth Nahodil in the 100 breaststroke.

Overall, the season opener for the Hazleton Area Cougars and the surrounding Schuylkill League teams has set an exciting tone for the competitive swimming season ahead.