Norwin junior swimmer Ryan Smrekar stood on the medal stand last season at the WPIAL championships after finishing eighth in the 50-yard freestyle.
In spite of the accomplishment, Smrekar wasn't satisfied. He failed to qualify for the state championships, and this season, he used the experience as motivation.
Smrekar has posted the second-fastest time in the WPIAL this season in the 50 free (21.91), trailing only Chuck Destro of Central Catholic (21.8). He is a favorite to compete for a gold medal next week at the WPIAL swimming championships.
"There's always room for improvement," Smrekar said of his state championship dreams. "I can always get better. I need to get below 20 seconds (in the 50 free)."
There will be plenty of competition in the sprint events, as Mt. Lebanon's Zach Rosen (22.45) also is one of the top swimmers in the 50 free.
Smrekar defeated Rosen last week in a loss to Mt. Lebanon.
"I think Ryan can make it to states, simply because nobody gets up for a meet like he does," boys coach Neil Rushnock said.
"He's has that refuse-to-lose attitude."
Smrekar also will compete in the 100-yard freestyle and two of the three relays for Norwin.
The boys finished 10-4 overall and 4-1 in section. They shared the title with Penn-Trafford and Hempfield.
Also representing the Knights at WPIALs will be Scott Gross (50 free, 100 breast) and Matt Patterson (200 IM) along with John Funa, Jordan Hantz, Brad Mayer, Andrew Hankewycz, Logan Dorminey, Zach Ligus and Zak Roesner in the relays.
"I'd like to see them drop their times," Rushnock said.
"They've worked hard at it. That's all you can ask of them."
The girls also had a strong season with an overall mark of 9-5 and section tally of 2-3.
The Lady Knights competing at WPIALs include Jordan Van Winkle in the 100 free and another event, Jessica Smrekar (100 back, 200 IM), Christina Dias (100 breast) and Sarah Waszyn, Paige McGowan, Cat Clark and Maggie Dempsey in the relays.
"We'll do a little taper, then get them a little rest. They are very anxious. They are looking ahead and looking forward to it. When they're psyched, they're pretty good," girls coach Barb Augustin said.
The WPIAL championships at the University of Pittsburgh will begin on Tuesday at 10 a.m. with the 200-yard medley relay, 200 freestyle, 200 IM, 50 free, 100 fly and 200 freestyle relay.
The event will continue on Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. with the 100 free, 500 free, 100 back, 100 breast and 400-yard freestyle relay.
The top three swimmers, as well as others who qualify based on state standards, will advance to the PIAA championships from March 12 to 15 at Bucknell University.