Going for gold, again
Seneca Valley's Isaiah Clerkley will look to defend his WPIAL Class 3A boys title from a year ago and anyone looking to challenge him just received some bad news.
In his final home meet, the senior turned in the best six-dive effort of his scholastic career with a school- and pool-record score of 370.70 last Thursday against Butler.
It was the sixth time this season that Clerkley has broken the school record. The reigning champion has been at the top of his game for much of the season and that hasn't changed as he prepares to go back-to-back at the district meet Saturday at North Allegheny High School.
"Isaiah used to be heavily involved in gymnastics," said SV diving coach Nancy Laslavic. "This season, he has focused just on diving and I think that has helped him."
A peek at his scores reveals just how much Clerkley has improved since this time last year. He entered the WPIAL meet in 2023 with a district-best effort of 315.15, over 55 points shy of his showing last week against Butler.
"I wanted to be able to perform higher-difficulty dives this year. I've done that and it has helped me get higher scores," said Clerkley.
The toughest dive he is planning to execute Saturday is an inward 2½ somersault.
"I've been working on it and have been getting higher off the board," said Clerkley, who placed second in the state as a junior.
"I know who the other top divers (in the WPIAL) are, but I'm just focused on me. I want to win again and if I do what I need to do, things should turn out well for me."
Joining Clerkley on the board Saturday will be senior teammates Miles Miller, who recently joined the 300 Club with a score of 305.10, and Colin Stevens (233.8).
Butler will be represented by senior Owen Davis (189.25).
Girls
Mars senior Emily Mueller has qualified for WPIALs every year, though she was unable to compete her sophomore year due to issues with her back.
“It started in gymnastics when I was 12,” she said. “I was on the vault and landed wrong. Since then, I’ve been dealing with back problems and pain in my legs. I’ve tried to take it easy this year and have had no issues like the ones that kept me out of WPIALs two years ago.”
Mueller will attempt to earn her third WPIAL medal. She placed eighth as a freshman and fifth last year. Her best score this season is a 244.20 during a meet against Pine-Richland in mid-January.
“Emily has been very consistent all year,” said Mars diving coach Maria Misenhelter. “She’s been right around 230 or better the whole season.”
Mueller will attend the University of North Carolina where she plans to enroll in medical or pharmacy school. She does not plan on diving in college.
“I’d love to make states (top three), but my main objective is to have fun and enjoy it, soak it all in one more time. This could be the last time I ever dive.”
Mueller's teammate, Mya Lee (213.85), has also qualified.
Also competing in the girls meet will be Seneca Valley's Cooper Burcham (239.70), Ali Waters (227.95) and Chloe Petersen (223.80) along with Butler's Grace Persichini (199.90).
Freeport's Joy Beck (196.45) will be competing in the Class 2A event Friday at North Allegheny.
