19-02-2025
Ursuline swimming makes school history on way to State
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – The Ursuline Swim team has made school history for the most swimmers qualifying for the State meet with four.
'It's awesome. As a freshman, I had really no hopes of going to state. It was, 'We'll see what happens,'' said Ursuline senior swimmer John Rock. 'But now, as a senior, and I get to go to state with some of my best friends, it's a great experience.'
This is also the fourth year the Irish have ever had a swim team. The Irish will compete in two relays and two individual boys events in Division II at State.
'As a freshman, I never even thought this was possible,' said Ursuline senior swimmer Andy Ward. 'I've just watched all of us grow as swimmers, people, we're doing more than I ever thought we could.'
Seniors Andy Ward, John Rock, Logan Schmutz and junior Michael Lattanzio will all compete at the State level.
'When we get there, it's just warm up, get ready for the meet and hope for the best,' Rock said. 'Not much else you can do other than practice hard and swim harder.'
Individually, Ward will swim in the Boys 50-Yard and 100-Yard Freestyle. Lattanzio will also swim in the 100-Yard Freestyle.
'Envisioning my races, I can't afford any mental mistakes, as well as physical ones,' Ward said. 'Can't false start, can't twitch on the block, make sure every single part of my race is correct and that I'm just mentally ready to swim.'
The Irish start swimming in the Preliminary round Thursday night at C.T. Branin Natatorium in Canton.
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