WPIAL swimmers will be looking for separation at Sunday's Class AAA championship meet — not just in the water, but also in status.

Winning a gold medal would elevate a select few, earning for them tangible evidence that they are the best in a district that has a very strong reputation in the sport.

A number of boys from Seneca Valley and Butler are in prime position to do just that.

The two programs own seven of the 11 No. 1 rankings entering the event at Upper St. Clair High School.

Butler senior David Bocci has the district's best effort in the 100-yard butterfly and 500 freestyle while teammate Ben Borvendeg claims the same in the 50 freestyle.

Seneca Valley has the fastest time in the 200 and 400 freestyle relays, while Kevin Donaldson and Daniel Simoes are seeded first in the 200 freestyle and 200 individual medley, respectively.

“Right after the WPIAL meet last year (when SV finished second in the team standings), we set a goal of winning the title this year,” said Donaldson, a junior. “We've all worked hard to be our best. It's been great being part of this group.”

Donaldson's seed time is one minute, 42.66 seconds, his personal-best finish in the 200 freestyle.

“I took time to work on my technique, getting faster on my turns and I'm confident entering WPIALs,” he said. “My goal is to win with at least a 1:39, which would qualify me for All-American recognition.”

Confidence is the common theme for the swimmers pacing both SV and Butler.

For Bocci, it's a complete reversal of fortune.

“My butterfly used to be terrible,” he said. “I never expected to see my name on (Butler's school record board) in the fly, but I kept working hard at it.”

His school standard is 49.64 and he enters Sunday's meet with the only sub-50 time in the district this season at 49.82. He was runner-up in the event last year.

“I'm definitely capable of dropping more time,” said Bocci.

Borvendeg is also seeded second in the 100 freestyle and said: “The 50 is the easier of the two events for me. Whatever time I need to maintain that No. 1 spot, that's my goal.”

Other top seeds include SV's Haihan Xu (second in breaststroke, third in IM) and Butler's Sam Deemer (third in 200 freestyle).

Girls

SV senior Edie Sawyer turned frustration into improvement in the breaststroke.

She placed sixth last year, but said: “I didn't have my best swim and it motivated me.”

Her dedication has earned her top-ranking in the event with a time of 1:04.28.

“Some of the districts have already held their championship meet,” said Sawyer. “The girl who won District 1 swam a 1:03. If I can do that, be in that mix of top times, that would be good.”

Sawyer will also be swimming a leg of SV's top-ranked 200 medley relay. Teammate Peri Gaguzis is seeded second in the 500 freestyle.

One of the swimmers looking to pass Sawyer in the breaststroke is Mars' Megan Smith, a senior seeded third.

“There was a lot less pool time for teams over the past year and I practiced a lot more on my own,” she said. “I always do well at Pitt (previous venue for WPIALs), but I hear the pool at Upper St. Clair is really nice. I'm excited to see it.”

Butler senior Abbie Griffith is hoping to earn two more medals in her final trip to districts.

She is ranked sixth in the butterfly and backstroke.

The number of swimmers qualifying for the state meet has been trimmed from 32 to 16 in each event this year. Griffith reached states the last two years.

“I know it's more difficult, but I want to get back and think I have a shot,” she said.