25-26 Swim Recap: Northgate-Avonworth Swim and Dive Team Dominates the WPIAL Pool and Sets the Pace for States

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Both the Northgate-Avonworth boys’ and girls’ swim and dive teams had an incredibly successful 2025-2026 regular season. The boys finished with an 11-1 record, while the girls wrapped up with a 9-3 record, placing the teams in second and third in their section. This set the stage for a promising post-season. Over the duration of the 12 dual meets, six boys and eight girls punched their ticket to the WPIAL Championship.

Prior to the swimming portion, freshman Simon Buzzard represented the Northgate-Avonworth boys diving team, placing 4th at the WPIAL meet that took place at North Allegheny on February 20th. Not only did he land high on the podium, but he also qualified for the PIAA Championship.

Just a few days later, this year’s WPIAL meet, held on February 26th and 27th at the University of Pittsburgh’s natatorium, proved to be one to remember. Numerous gold medal performances were executed within the Northgate-Avonworth team, with swimmers Sam Cavanaugh, JoAnn Cook, and Greyson McKelvey earning individual golds. In addition, the boys’ 200 medley and 400 freestyle relays clinched first on the WPIAL podium.

After an exciting two days, the Northgate-Avonworth boys claimed the title of WPIAL champions, outscoring all other teams despite only retaining a five-man roster. Further, the girls’ team, although possessing no seniors, landed fourth out of forty-four teams.

Of the team’s WPIAL swimmers, four of the boys and seven of the girls qualified for the PIAA Championship at Bucknell University on March 13th and 14th. With more outstanding swims to come, the teams are sure to make a statement at a state-wide level.

By Lila Caulkins and Grace Caulkins

Additionally, here is a full rundown from Northgate’s Athletics Page:

Success at States: 10 Medals, 2 Gold for Cavanaugh, 4 Each for Cavanaugh & McKelvey

In the final meet of his high school swimming career, Academic All-American Sam Cavanaugh made sure we won’t forget his great accomplishments with Northgate-Avonworth Swim & Dive. Sam took by storm the 2A PIAA Swimming Championships at Bucknell University, March 13-14, where he captured gold medals in both the 200 IM and the 500 Freestyle, as well as sharing silver medals with relay (200 Medley Relay and 400 Free Relay) teammates Greyson McKelvey (10), Nate Parker (11) and Jakob Vranick (12). The four led our boys team to a 4th Place overall finish (out of 66 teams).

“Winning both of my individual events meant a lot,” said Cavanaugh, “After finishing second in both last year, I made it a goal to come back and win them this time. My teammates and coaches were so supportive, and it just made it so much fun.”

Adding to the fun was a stellar performance by Sam’s fellow “Flame-a-lopes,” who battled their way to the podium for eight medals in addition to Cavanaugh’s two golds. Grey McKelvey tied his senior teammate in his number of medals won–four–while JoAnn Cook (10) followed Grey with three medals. Addison Hase (10), Parker and Vranick all won two medals, while Kaitlyn Klaum (10) and Bridget Campbell (10) each walked away with one medal.

Meanwhile, no previous record was sacred as the team set six new team records at States. In fact, three of the fallen records had been set by Class of 2023 standout Matt Purcell, who now swims for Brown University. Cavanaugh toppled two of Purcell’s records and McKelvey, one. (Anyone familiar with the Purcell knows he would be tickled to hear of the success of Sam and Grey!)

One of the many highlights of this meet was Cavanaugh’s pure dominance during his 200 IM and 500 Free. He won the first by almost four seconds and the next by over five seconds. Manheim Central’s Sam Kieffer was neck and neck with Cavanaugh the first half of the 500 before our Sam put the hammer down and pulled way ahead en route to a new team record.

Another highlight was the absolute lightning speed of each leg of the record Boys 400 Free Relay team (Cavanaugh/Parker/Vranick/McKelvey), who broke the record they had just set at WPIALS!

Still another highlight was the impressive collective performance by our young girls team, which took 9th Place (out of 64 teams). Freshman and sophomores made up all but one of this year’s squad. The future is bright for our girls team!

Yet another highlight was the pop music blasted during warmups and between events. One deck official even lightened up and led the packed house in the sing-a-long of Sweet Caroline. It was a perfect break for the loud, rambunctious crowd, full of energy, all dressed in the spiritwear and colors of their respective teams. Fenway Park would have been proud!

It was just one of the many things that made States at Bucknell an unforgettable experience. It was the last such experience for Cavanaugh and Vranick.

One day after returning from States, Cavanaugh weighed in on his final PIAA Swimming Championship. “I couldn’t have asked for a better way to finish my high school career,” the future Bucknell Bison said. “Competing against other great athletes was an incredible experience, and I’m really grateful it ended the way it did.”

And we are very grateful, Sam and Jake, that we were able to tag along. Thank you for all you have given to Northgate-Avonworth Swim & Dive and our communities. Best of luck at Bucknell and Westminster!

Complete Medals List:

Gold Medal, 200 IM. Sam Cavanaugh (12), 1:49.23 (Team Record)

Gold Medal, 500 Free. Sam Cavanaugh (12), 4:30.08 (Team Record)

Silver Medal, 200 Medley Relay. McKelvey (10), Cavanaugh (12), Parker (11), Vranick (12). 1:36.81

Silver Medal, 400 Free Relay. Cavanaugh, Parker, Vranick, McKelvey. 3:11.39 (Team Record)

Bronze Medal, 200 Free. Greyson McKelvey (10), 1:42.51 (Team Record)

Bronze Medal, 100 Backstroke. JoAnn Cook (10), 57.37 seconds

5th Place Medal, 200 Free. JoAnn Cook (10), 1:52.92

5th Place Medal, 500 Free. Addison Hase (10), 5:09.30 (Team Record, 5:06.31, in Prelims)

5th Place Medal, 100 Back. Greyson McKelvey (10), 51.51 seconds (Team Record)

7th Place Medal, 400 Free Relay. Kaitlyn Klaum (10), Bridget Campbell (10), Hase (10), Cook (10). 3:40.55

Consolation Finals (9th through 16th place)