19-02-2025
Howland duo eager to return to Swimming State
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Howland High School has two swimmers headed to the 2025 OHSAA Swimming & Diving State Tournament at C.T. Branin Natatorium in Canton.
Both junior Pete Delida and sophomore Jules Dewberry will return to state after competing in last year's state swim meet.
'It's definitely a little nerve-wracking at first but it's my third year here, I'm kind of used to it,' Delida said. 'So I just got to go out there and perform, and just do my best.'
This year, Delida will participate in the Boys 100-Yard Freestyle and 200-Yard Freestyle, while Dewberry will compete in the Girls 100-Yard Breaststroke.
'It's really an honor because all of us all season worked so hard to make it back and put out our best work,' Dewberry said. 'So to be able to compete again against some of the best people in the state is really awesome.'
Delida and Dewberry also train with Penguin Swimming Club at YSU, where they train with Beaver Local swimmer Cole Long, who is also headed to Canton.
'It's special because we have each other's backs, we all practice in a lane together every single day, so now that we're all going to state together, it really is something that I value,' Dewberry said. 'It's just really cool to see all of our hard work pay off and it really helps the club, too, to see like that. We really do put in the work and it really does pay off.'
Delida, who previously set school bests in the 200 Freestyle and 500 Freestyle, couldn't agree more.
'A lot of my lifelong friends have come from this club and it means a lot that…this club made me get here, this is the whole reason I'm here,' Delida said. 'I couldn't have done it without any of my coaches over the past few years. I mean, they're a huge stepping stone in my path to this. So I'm really excited.'
The State Championship event will start on Tuesday with diving events and will run through Saturday, Feb. 22 at the C.T. Branin Natatorium in Canton.
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