Laurel Highland’s Collins, Parker do well in PIAA swims
Adam Collins and Zernie Parker didn’t earn any medals, but their performances at the PIAA Class AAA championship swim meet were noteworthy just the same. Both Laurel Highlands swimmers broke their own school records at Penn State University’s McCoy Natatorium on Saturday.
Collins, a freshman, finished 16th in the 100 backstroke with a time of 55.81 seconds, while Parker, a senior, wound up 18th in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:01.43.
“They did awesome,” Mustangs swimming coach Ed Yauger said. “All you can ask when they go to the states is that they improve their times. These kids did outstanding. Their hard work all season long finally paid off for them.
“That was their goal, to get better, and they improved … a very impressive display. Just to be there, the experience is unbelievable. To be there is an outstanding opportunity for these young kids.”
Collins and Parker are Laurel Highlands’ first representatives at the state meet since 1977.
The winners of the two events were North Penn’s Nick Fanslau in the 100 breaststroke and Council Rock North’s Nathan Torok in the 100 backstroke.
Parker was second among WPIAL swimmers in the field, trailing only Chartiers Valley’s Ron Strang, who was sixth with a time of 1:00.75. Collins was fifth.