Vikings Make Waves at Beaver County Invitational

The Hopewell Vikings turned in an outstanding performance at the Beaver County Invitational this weekend, showcasing depth, determination, and speed across all events. Competing against some of the top programs in the county, the Vikings posted a remarkable number of personal-best times, earned multiple podium finishes, secured WPIAL qualifying cuts, and even saw the record books rewritten.

“The Vikings had a fantastic meet,” said head coach Kathi Lopez. “We are most proud that almost all of our swimmers posted best times at the meet. The effort and improvement across the board was incredible to see.”

Record-Breaking Performance

Junior Hazel McCowin delivered one of the highlights of the meet, breaking both the pool and meet record in the 100-yard breaststroke with a championship-winning time of 1:10.34. McCowin also captured first place in the 200 IM, continuing her dominant weekend.

WPIAL Cuts Achieved

Several Vikings reached major milestones by achieving WPIAL qualifying standards:

• Boys 200 Medley Relay (Mitchell Ryan, Joel Olshanski, Tyler Oliver, Joey Gregory)
• Boys 200 Freestyle Relay (Mitchell Ryan, Joel Olshanski, Tyler Oliver, Joey Gregory)
• Tyler Oliver – 100 Butterfly
• Mitchell Ryan – 100 Backstroke

“These relays have been chasing cuts all season, and it was great to see them break through together,” Coach Lopez said.

Podium Finishes (1st–8th Place)

Girls Events

• 200 Medley Relay – 1st: Ava Yoder, Hazel McCowin, Emma Driscoll, Evelyn Cagnon
• 200 Freestyle – 4th: Evelyn Cagnon
• 200 IM – 1st: Hazel McCowin
• 50 Freestyle – 3rd: Emma Driscoll
• 100 Butterfly – 2nd: Ava Yoder
• 100 Freestyle – 3rd: Emma Driscoll
• 500 Freestyle – 4th: Evelyn Cagnon
• 100 Backstroke – 2nd: Ava Yoder; 5th: Maddie Shields
• 100 Breaststroke – 1st: Hazel McCowin
• 400 Freestyle Relay – 1st: Emma Driscoll, Evelyn Cagnon, Ava Yoder, Hazel McCowin

Boys Events

• 200 Freestyle – 1st: Joey Gregory
• 200 Medley Relay – 3rd: Mitchell Ryan, Joel Olshanski, Tyler Oliver, Joey Gregory
• 50 Freestyle – 5th: Mitchell Ryan
• 100 Butterfly – 2nd: Tyler Oliver
• 100 Freestyle – 2nd: Joey Gregory
• 500 Freestyle – 5th: Holden Webster
• 100 Backstroke – 4th: Mitchell Ryan
• 200 Freestyle Relay – 4th: Mitchell Ryan, Tyler Oliver, Joel Olshanski, Joey Gregory

Team Results

Hopewell finished 4th overall in the combined team standings, with strong showings from both squads:

• Girls Team: 3rd place
• Boys Team: 4th place

The Beaver County Invitational proved to be a confidence-boosting meet as the Vikings continue their push toward championship season.

“This was a great step forward for us,” Coach Lopez added. “The improvement, the cuts, and the energy on deck made it a special weekend for our program.”