I wanted to make sure I did that this year because I knew we had the potential to be a great team.” “Over the past two years, I feel I have really taken to my position and become a leader. “During my sophomore year, I was a little more timid of a leader because it was only my second year on the team,” Savikas said. She plans to study kinesiology and nutrition in college. Savikas has two favorite events: the 200- and 500-yard freestyle. It is rare for a high school athlete to earn a captaincy role as a sophomore, junior and senior. Savikas is a third-year captain for the girls team. 12 in their final section meet of the season. The Jaguars lost a 98-82 decision to Elizabeth Forward on Feb. Prior to this week’s action, the TJ girls were 9-3 overall and 6-0 in Section 5-AA, splashing past Belle Vernon, Steel Valley, Uniontown, Ringgold, McKeesport and South Park. The TJ girls squad also consists of seniors Carissa Budday, Daisy Halliday and Raelin Krueger, juniors Miranda Stanley and Nieyali Rodriguez and sophomores Mia Olsen, Soliana Porter, Sierra Randolph and Isabelle Yancura.įreshmen include Riley Baker, Liliana Cooke, Madison Keck, Faith Krueger, Haley Maizer, Sadie Marlow, Audra Morgan, Emma Organist and Rylee Pristas. “The drive to succeed is a common bond they all have.” “They are leaders in our swimming program, and many other sports and activities at Thomas Jefferson. “The six (senior) girls and two (senior) boys all contribute a high level of drive and maturity to our program,” TJ coach John Penn said. On the girls’ side, seniors Elena Savikas, Grace Pletz and Maura Gdovic were WPIAL Class AA qualifiers a year ago as were junior Breanna Smith and sophomore Hallie Findlan. Strong senior leadership is a trait of the Thomas Jefferson swimming and diving team.

Jefferson township high school swimming