Parkland, Emmaus Split LVC Swimming Titles

Any match-up between the Emmaus Hornets and Parkland Trojans typically guarantees entertainment, but Thursday’s swim meet to determine the Lehigh Valley Conference champion sent an extra buzz through the crowd.

If you didn't have a ticket, you didn't get into a Parkland High School natatorium filled nearly to capacity. But it wasn't just hype.

With both the boys' and girls' teams for both schools holding 9-0 conference records, the championship trophies were on hand and delivered to the winners at meet's end. And, when the day was done, it was the Emmaus boys prevailing with a 112-74 victory and the Parkland girls scoring a 115.50-70.50 decision.

The home crowd led the support with chants in hopes of its team prevailing. But Emmaus fans chanted right back in a spirited, good old-fashioned rivalry.

At pool level, the Trojan team psyched itself up before the event with two choreographed rings reciting a team chant in the pool.

Moments later, the Hornets emphatically rhythmically slammed their paddleboards against the walls in a similar hope of intimidating the adversary.

But then it was time to let the swimming and diving do the talking.

The Emmaus boys excelled in the 200-meter individual medley. They took the top three spots led by Evan Paules' time of 1:58.68. They also helped themselves out by taking the top two positions in the 50-meter freestyle and first and third places in the 100-meter butterfly, as well.

The excellence continued as they grabbed second and third places in the 500-meter freestyle and first and third positions in the 200-meter freestyle relay.

They sealed the victory with second- and third-place finishes in the 100-meter backstroke.

“Our boys’ team is experienced, so I’m pleased," said Emmaus coach Tim O'Connor. "But I also expected them to win. We hit bumps in the road this year but we recovered well.”

Paules led the way for Emmaus with two individual first places and participation on two first-place finishing relay teams.

For Parkland, Alex Otero helped two relay teams to second-place finishes. He also placed second and fourth individually.

The Lady Trojans picked up the slack and pulled off a victory for Parkland, despite the strong efforts of the Trojan boys who came up short.

In nearly a clean sweep for the ladies, the Parkland girls were victorious in the 200-meter individual medley relay and individual event, the 200-meter freestyle, 50-meter freestyle, 100-meter butterfly, 100-meter freestyle, 200-meter freestyle relay, 100-meter breast stroke and 400-meter relay.

Parkland also took victories in the girls’ and boys’ diving competitions. Tori Molchany, Brianna Keefe, and Amanda Zerphy took the first three spots for the girls, and Mark Idleman, Greg Kemper and Jacob Lenhart did the same for the boys.

“Our girls stepped up today," said Parkland coach Erik Posegay. "We’re happy with where we’re at and will look to take this into the most important part of our season.”

Parkland had a number of standouts, including Emily Stang, who had two individual first places and helped two relay teams finish on top. Kayla Grim was on the same two winning relay teams and had a personal first- and second-place finish.

Emmaus' Taylor O'Brien had a strong day with two individual firsts, a relay first and a relay second-place finish.

Both teams will head to the March 4-5 District 11 3A boys and girls meets and the mid-March PIAA 3A meet where they will look to continue their memorable seasons