This weekend, Freedom High School will be sending seven swimmers to the PIAA State Swimming & Diving Championships at Bucknell University.

Senior, Sam Magnan, is the top seed in the 500 free with a time of 4:30.17. It would appear he could be challenged by Matthew Dinunzio from District 7, whose time is 4:30.20, but that may not be the case at all.

Freedom swimming coach Jon Larson said, "Sam was not saved or tapered at all for districts, so he has that in his back pocket. He just has to rest and suit up."

Magnan will also be competing in the 200 free in which he is seeded 12th.

"I kind of wish the 500 were first. The 500 is really a sprint for him. The 200 takes a little more power. Top three would be a great thing for him," said Larson.

Senior, Shannon Howell, is also a 500 free swimmer, seeded third after a first place finish in districts.

"That was one of the biggest surprises at districts," Larson said.

Ironically, Howell will also be competing in the 50 free, an event that is the polar opposite of the 500.

"She likes the all out [event], or the longer [event]," said Larson.

Freedom senior, Helen Hsu, is seeded third in the 100 backstroke, and seventh in the 200 IM.

Hsu said, "I need to work on my turns, especially in the 200 IM. Jon thinks I can go faster. I'm a little too far away from the walls."

Like Magnan, Hsu was not fully rested for districts.

"Helen is a lot more of a mental swimmer. Her 200 IM looks a little better. She has more endurance. The 100 back is an all out sprint. It leaves more to work on," said Larson.

The Patriots are also sending two relay teams to states.

Carly DelFranco, Kelly Kopko, Hsu, and Howell are seeded 15th in the 200 medley relay.

"The medley relay is a 50. It's a great warm-up," Larson said.

The 400 relay team, seeded 16th, originally consisted of Rileigh Ellis, Hsu, Howell, and DelFranco, but Riley Ward will now replace DelFranco.

Larson said, "Carly came to me. It was a very mature decision on her part. It will be an investment in our future, having [Ward, a sophomore] feel the excitement of a state meet."