Anna Tomasic
School: Franklin Regional
Class: Freshman
Sport: Swimming
Claim to fame: Tomasic, a fast-rising talent in the Franklin Regional program, helped the Panthers win the Westmoreland County Coaches Association Class 2A title in the annual competition held at Derry. She won two individual titles, in the 50- and 100-yard freestyles, clocking times of 24.32 seconds and 53.87 seconds. She was the top seed in both events.
Tomasic also anchored the winning 200-yard medley relay (1:52.20) and 400-yard freestyle relay (3:46.24).
What was it like winning two county titles?
It felt pretty good. It was very exciting since this was my first big high school meet.
What is your best event and why?
The 50 freestyle because I have always been good at sprinting, and I love to challenge myself to get a personal best time.
How long have you been swimming and what made you take up the sport?
Since I was 5 years old. My parents encouraged me to start swimming when we joined the Murrysville Swim Club.
What do you like most about the sport?
I love the team aspect of swimming, and the friends I have made over the years. My teammates always push me to perform to my best ability. I also love it whenever I get to see my teammate’s hard work pay off.
What is your favorite pool?
North Shore Aquatic Center in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Have you ever faced adversity in your life?
Yes, last year I was dealing with severe back pain that caused me to miss extensive amounts of practice and a few important meets.
Do you have any unique hobbies?
I enjoy wakeboarding and surfing in the summer. I also like to ski in the winter.
What motivates you as an athlete?
To try to beat my best times.
Do you play any other sports?
I have played other sports in the past, but I chose to focus on swimming.
Do you have a pre-swim routine?
I love to listen to music. My favorite pre-swim song is “Sevens,” by Brandon Lake.
Who is the team bookworm, team mom, and team prankster?
The team bookworm is Scarlett Zolnak. The team mom is Maggie Hull. The team prankster is Amelia Oates.
Will you watch the Winter Olympics?
Yes, I plan to cheer on Team USA.
Who is going to win the Super Bowl?
I wish the Steelers were in it. Since they’re not, I’ll go with the Seahawks.
Ethan McDonald
School: Penn-Trafford
Class: Junior
Sport: Basketball
Claim to fame: McDonald made the game-winning shot as time expired to help the Warriors beat Latrobe in Section 1-5A action. The Warriors, who upset No. 2 Baldwin as the No. 15 seed in the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs last year, have started to gain steam moving toward the postseason this year.
Penn-Trafford has won five consecutive games, evening its record at 9-9 overall and 7-4 in section. The Warriors are tied for second place in the section with Franklin Regional but lost both meetings to the Panthers this year.
Was that the most high-pressure situation you’ve been in?
Easily.
How comfortable are you in a situation like that where the clock is running down?
I was comfortable. I knew I had to put something up. I knew I had to shoot it. I was kind of comfortable with it.
When did you start playing basketball?
In fourth grade.
Is basketball your favorite sport to play?
Right now, yes.
What other sports do you play?
Volleyball. I’m an outside hitter.
You’ve won five games in a row. What has led to the team’s current stretch of play?
Our chemistry has gotten a lot better over the season. We’ve been moving the ball better. On defense, we’ve been able to shut down the other team’s best players.
What are you looking forward to for the rest of the season?
The next few section games and trying to make a run in the playoffs.
Penn-Trafford won a playoff game last year. What are you hoping to see this year?
We’re always trying to win something. We want to win one playoff game first and then try to go on a deep run.