LEWISBURG – Marian’s extraordinary swimmer, Danny Berlitz, found a way to heat up the waters at PIAA Swimming Championships. Despite the cold temperatures outside Bucknell University’s Kimmey Natatorium, Berlitz was on fire in the pool

Using his exceptional 6-1 frame, the junior had some extra incentive — a determination that has burned inside him since the PIAA finals last March when he finished second in the Class 2A 200 IM, only to be disqualified for an illegal touch.

Since that time, his goal has been to win this event

Berlitz did exactly that on Friday, picking up a state championship with a time of 1:49.97.

There was never a doubt as far as Berlitz was concerned and his coach Tim Dando.

“That’s been bothering him ever since he was here last year,” said Dando. “Danny is such a fantastic swimmer and he has that extra-something that only the great ones have, and that’s the will to win.”

Earlier in the day, Berlitz swam a time of 1:51.31, the fastest qualifying time of the 32 competitors, and he knew going into the finals that he could break the 1:50 mark.

Berlitz wasn’t taking this for granted, mind you. “It’s states and everyone puts out there best,” he said. “Yes, I was nervous, because you never know what could happen.”

After being DQ’d a year ago, Berlitz was fueled and fired up.

“Ever since last year I had to get my redemption,” he said. “Every time I saw 200 IM, I thought about states. I waited a whole year, and I am so happy.”

Berlitz’s toughest opponent figured to be Chase Bietz of Clearfield. But Bietz was never a serious threat to Berlitz’s gold, although he finished second in a time of 1:52.85.

Berlitz knew that he was well on the way to victory lane after the butterfly. “I only looked back once and that was after the fly. I didn’t really see anyone so I just took off.”

The junior was without a doubt the best swimmer in the pool in the event, and Dando felt that his earlier performance was going to carry over to even a better one by early evening.

“He was so smooth and effortless in the prelim,” said Dando. “Of course I was nervous for him. It was such a great win, everyone is very happy for him. He has put in all the time to be such a great swimmer. And the scary thing is that he still has another year.”

Kerstetter moves up

Tamaqua’s Lexi Kerstetter made a big jump in her event, the 200 freestyle.

Although the senior did not finish with a medal, her performance was noteworthy. Before her swim on Friday, Kerstetter had been seeded 30th in the 32-person field, but she was determined to perform at her best.

“I was hoping to improve by two or three spots,” she said. “But to finish 20th was fantastic. It wasn’t my best time, but I am so proud to be able to swim at states. I’ve had a great support team behind me. It was so much fun being here.

“It’s something that I will always remember the rest of my life. I’m looking forward to college now. I’m seriously considering swimming in college. But I’m weighing all my options.”

Kerstetter had a state meet time of 2:00.83. Her District 11 championship time was 2:00.09.

TAKING A LAP … North Schuylkill’s Reggie Crawford won the Class 2A gold medal in the 50-yard freestyle. Like Berlitz, Crawford is a junior. The irony in Crawford’s win he defeated Schuylkill Valley’s Colin Gwiazdowski, who’s family is from Shenandoah. Crawford had a solid time in the prelim at 20:64 then proceeded to tie the state record in a time of 20:45, which was set earlier in the prelims by Gwiazdowski.

UP NEXT … Today, Berlitz will be looking to pick up more gold when he competes in the 500 freestyle, an event that he won last season when he became the first Schuylkill League boys swimmer to earn a gold medal since 1999. However, the talented Berlitz is not the top seed. The honor belongs to Clearfield’s Luke Mikesell. Also swimming today is Marian’s Maddie Dando who will compete in the 100 backstroke.