Two Cranberry Students Swim Their Way To States

By: Raquel Knight | 3/22/23

After an undefeated swimming season, two boys from our Cranberry High School were part of the Oil City Swim Team that made it to states. 

Caleb Stover and Logan Richer competed in the PIAA Class 2A Swimming and Diving Championships held last Wednesday and Thursday at Bucknell University’s Kinney Natatorium. 

The boys coach, Eric Smith, posted and stated that this was the first undefeated regular season that the school has had, while doing this they also now hold the “Reign 1” title. `Another school record that they have is being able to have seven swimmers competing in seven different events. 

Stover is breaking records before even having to compete. A Junior, Caleb Stover, is the first to be believed to be competing in four events alone. 

A group of four boys give Oil City their best chance at medaling. Three juniors and One senior hold the hopes of the team. Caleb Stover, Charlie Motter, Logan Rakow, and Connor Malek will compete in the 200 freestyle relay. They are to be believed to be their team's best chance by holding their school record of 1:30.50. 

Their Coach, Eric Smith, said “ We knew we were going to set the record at the district meet, we just didn’t know how fast we were going to be”. He is very proud about the whole team's accomplishments but knows they can do better. Currently they are seeded in 11th but it would be beyond exciting if they could make it to top 8th. 

Caleb Stover is also involved in another team that is expected to medal in the boys 400 freestyle relay. This team is seeded 15th with a school record of 3:21.02. 

“We look forward to the outcome of how far these kids can push themselves” stated Eric Smith.  

Thursday, March 16th wrapped up the 2022-23 PIAA Class 2A Swimming Championships. Caleb Stover was part of the 400 freestyle relay team that broke Oil City High School's record and finished 13th overall. 

Stover also represented Oil City/Cranberry by swimming a time of 49.86 and moving up six spots, placing him 31st throughout the whole competition.