Boys Swimming MVP – Josh Matheny
As Josh Matheny approached the starting blocks, AC/DC’s Thunderstruck blared throughout the speaker system. Less than a minute later, the Upper St. Clair sophomore astonished everybody in the Bucknell University Kinney Natatorium. In winning his second straight 100-yard breaststroke race during the PIAA Class AAA Championships in March, Matheny not only took down the state mark but he set a National Federation of State High Schools record. In the prelims, Matheny lowered the PIAA record of 53.67 set in 2000 by six-time Olympic medalist Brendon Hansen by a mere two-hundredths of a second. In the finals, however, he smashed the NFHS mark of 52.65 set in 2016 with his winning time of 52.52. With two more years remaining in his scholastic career, Matheny has his sights set on breaking the national record of 51.62. At states, Matheny also helped the 200-yard medley relay team win a gold medal. He finished fourth in the individual medley. In addition to winning his second state title, Matheny pocketed his second WPIAL crown in record fashion. He clocked a 54.70 to shatter the record of 54.82 set by Mt. Lebanon product Jack Lamphear in 2016. His relays grabbed gold and silver in the medley and 400 free, which enabled USC to finish runner-up to North Allegheny in the team standings. Matheny has participated in several National Club Swimming Association’s Junior National Championships. He is also a multiple all-state and All-America swimmer.
Jack Fitzpatrick, Sr., Upper St. Clair
Owen Johns, Sr., Mt. Lebanon
Jonnie McDuffie, So., Ringgold
Josh Metheny, So., Upper St. Clair
Nick Mudry, Sr., Upper St. Clair
Jacob Niziol, Jr., Ringgold
Ryan Rose, So., Peters Township
Reese samuel, Sr., Upper St. Clair
Robert Spekis, Sr., Belle Vernon