Five Times News area swimmers have qualified for the PIAA State Swimming and Diving Championships this weekend at Bucknell University.

Marian will have a trio of competitors, including Danny Berlitz, who has the best seeds of any local swimmer.Berlitz earned gold medals in the 500 freestyle and 200 IM competitions at Parkland High School two weeks ago. He will be the 4th seed in the 500 freestyle and 7th in the 200 IM at Bucknell."Last year, I swam at Bucknell with USA swimming and it's a really good pool," said Berlitz. "The environment is great. You get hyped before and after your race. I've been working on my breathing and most of my usual stuff. Just fine tuning things before states."I'm hoping for a state medal in both of my events. That's my goal. That would be amazing."The Colts' Timmy Dando had success at Parkland as well, placing second in the 200 freestyle and third in the 500 freestyle. He will be seeded 18th (1:47.91) in the 200 freestyle and 30th (5:01.22) in the 500 freestyle, an event where he'll join teammate Berlitz."I'm more excited than nervous," explained Dando, who also qualified for states a year ago. "I didn't really know what to expect last year. It's definitely a bigger stage to be on."Hopefully I can get to consolations in both events. I want to go under five minutes in the 500 and get a personal best in the 200."The final Marian swimmer is Katie Kurznisky.She won the 50 freestyle and the 100 backstroke at the District 11 championships. Kurzinsky was able to bring home the gold in the backstroke, despite grabbing an untimely gulp of pool water during a critical stretch of the race."My race was going well until the third turn when I got some water," Kurzinsky said. "I was a little nervous, but still pulled through. I'm happy with my performance, although, I'm definitely looking to not do that (inhale water) at states. I've been working on turns the last two weeks to prevent that."Her supreme showing led her to becoming the first Schuylkill League swimmer to earn the Dennis A. McGinley award since 2008. She will be the 24th seed (24.89) in the 50 freestyle and the 15th seed (1:00.05) in the 100 backstroke."I'm really excited and sort of nervous, but the nerves are not as bad as last year," she explained. "Last year was my first time there, I didn't know what to expect. But, I was able to get my foot in the water and had some great experience. It's awesome,"I'm so exited to be going with Timmy (Dando) again and having Danny (Berlitz) on board."Northern Lehigh features a pair of swimmers.Jose Avila will join the Colts' Berlitz and Dando in the 500 freestyle, where he will be seeded 16th with a time of

4.52.62. He also will be seeded 20th in the 200 freestyle. Avila took home medals at the District 11 class AA championships in both events."We don't have a team, and to be recognized in swimming is great," Avila said. "I'm definitely nervous. Tuesday was the first day it hit me that states was in a few days."Last year, Avila was the first-ever swimmer to represent Northern Lehigh at state competition. He is hoping that his prior experience will benefit him this time around."I'm really looking to make a final and to bring back a medal," he said. "I've been there for several club meets, but last year was the first time I was ever there for states. It's crazy, it's a lot different than other meets. Everyone is really excited. Each race everyone is yelling and motivating you."Joining Avila will be his teammate, Wyatt Delans. This weekend will mark his first appearance at state competition, as Delans is the 31st seed in the 100 breaststroke."I'm glad I got here," Delans said. "I thought that after my time last year, I could make it no problem. Turns out, I had a little more trouble than that. My underwater had definitely improved. Before, it was very sloppy and weak, now it's strong and smooth."I swam there (Bucknell) twice over the summer with my club, the pool is definitely nice. It's really cool that Jose is going to be out there too. We've been swimming together for around two years."