Feb 1, 2008 By Bobby Fox 3 min read

During her four years at Jefferson-Morgan High School, Erin Barbetta’s love of swimming took her to Canon-McMillan and Peters Township high schools where she competed as an individual for the Big Macs and Indians. Now an 18-year old freshman at Indiana University of Pa., Barbetta, who swims for the Crimson Hawks, has not only made a positive impact for new school, she’s also enjoying being a true member of a swim team for the first time.

“It’s been good,” Barbetta said. “I really like college and swimming collegiately and actually being on a team. It’s a nice feeling.”

Since arriving at IUP, Barbetta has seen her share of action in the water as a member of the 200 freestyle relay and 200 medley relay teams. As an individual, Barbetta has also competed in the 100 backstroke and 100 freestyle.

Her efforts have helped the Crimson Hawk women to a 10-1 overall record and second in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) behind only Edinboro. IUP head coach Chris Villa has been happy with Barbetta’s work so far, but her future could be even brighter.

“She definitely has been a contributing member of the team,” Villa said. “I think her best swimming is ahead of her with adjusting to school and using a different training regiment, but she’s been a strong contributor.”

Barbetta is part of a strong freshman class for Villa and has helped IUP get to the top of the PSAC.

“She’s done what’s been expected,” Villa said. “The whole freshman class is performing at par. Then can do a lot better and they will. The first semester is always a time of adjustment.”

Despite never really being part of a team, Villa said that Barbetta has dived in head first to the experience, no pun intended. That attitude, along with a stellar work ethic, has made her a great fit at IUP.

“She works real hard and I don’t think she’s missed a practice,” Villa said. “She’s encouraging to her teammates, but she’s a little shy.”

While Barbetta, who is majoring in nutrition, has faced the same struggles that every collegiate athlete has to take on when it comes to balancing schoolwork and sports, she has truly enjoyed her time at IUP, especially the time that is spent with her new teammates.

“I get along with them great,” Barbetta said. “Actually being with them all the time is great. We do a lot of team activities and we bond in the pool and out of the pool. It’s definitely a new experience and I’m really enjoying it.”

While the Crimson Hawks have a dual meet tonight at Clarion and a quad-meet at home tomorrow against Juniata, PSU Altoona and Gannon, the team is already looking forward to the PSAC Championships on Feb. 21.

Barbetta has already qualified in the 100 backstroke at the event and she is one of 16 members of her team that have qualified for the event. While not looking past her remaining dual meets, the former Rocket is looking forward to the challenge of the Conference Championships.

“It’s been going pretty well,” Barbetta said. “I’m hoping all the work will pay off at PSACs and I’ll place pretty well there.”

Whether or not she places well at the PSACs, it’s clear that Barbetta has really enjoyed her first year with the IUP swimming team. It looks like her relationship with the school and her new team is going to be a long and happy one.

“I really like Chris and he’s a great coach to me,” Barbetta said. “I love swimming for him and I love swimming for IUP.”