Hazel McCowin Breaks Records, Leads Hopewell at MAC Championships

The Hopewell Vikings swim team delivered an impressive performance at the MAC Championships, highlighted by record-breaking swims, major time drops, and multiple podium finishes — led by a dominant day from standout swimmer Hazel McCowin.

McCowin headlined the meet with a historic performance in the 200 Individual Medley, breaking her own Hopewell school record with a time of 2:12.38. The swim also set a new West Allegheny pool record, cementing her place among the meet’s top performers. She continued her winning day in the 100 Backstroke, capturing first place to complete a remarkable double-victory performance.

Hopewell saw strong depth across events, beginning in the 200 Freestyle where Evelyn Cagnon continued her rapid improvement, dropping more time to finish in 2:20.68 — just missing the podium. On the boys side, Joey Gregory secured a 7th-place podium finish in the same event.

Senior Emma Driscoll added another podium for the Vikings in the 50 Freestyle, placing 8th with a season-best 27.04. Fellow senior Tyler Oliver contributed a 6th-place finish in the 100 Butterfly, adding to Hopewell’s scoring efforts.

Distance events also showcased major progress for the Vikings’ underclassmen. Freshman Evelyn Cagnon, who has dropped more than seven seconds over the past week, continued her surge with a 6:27.51 to place 8th in the 500 Freestyle. Freshman Holden Webster matched the momentum on the boys side, dropping time again with a 6:24.38.

Relay events brought additional highlights for Hopewell. The girls 200 Freestyle Relay team of Emma Driscoll, Ava Yoder, Lindsey Brown, and Hazel McCowin placed third with a 1:48.91 — earning their WPIAL qualifying cut. The boys relay squad of Mitchell Ryan, Tyler Oliver, Joel Olshanski, and Joey Gregory improved their seeding position to finish 6th overall.

In the 100 Backstroke, McCowin’s first-place finish capped her record-setting day, while Mitchell Ryan added a 7th-place finish for the boys in the same event.

Hopewell’s performances reflected both elite leadership and rising young talent, as the Vikings continue building momentum late in the season.

“The Vikings had a great day at the MAC Championships today! Lots of best times and podium stands! Congrats to our 200 free relay of Emma Driscoll, Ava Yoder, Lindsey Brown,  and Hazel McCowin for getting their WPIAL cut! Congrats to everyone who got on the podium. Congratulations to Hazel for taking 1st place in both the 200 IM and 100 Back! Awesome day Vikings!”