ERIE — Penn State Behrend swimming and diving coach Jennifer Wallace knows exactly the strengths of Justin Pritchard and Andrew Opalewski — and she’s been utilizing that all season.

Pritchard, a freshman from Cranberry Township, and Opalewski, a junior from Slippery Rock, have played key roles with the Lions’ squad this year.

Pritchard has already set two team records as a breaststroker in the 200 medley (1:35.98) and 400 medley (3:34.57) relays, both back in December at the Fredonia (N.Y.) Invitational, the 200 medley relay a pool record as well.

“Justin has done exactly what we needed him to do, if not, a little better,” said Wallace, now in her ninth year at the helm. “I’m excited to see what he could do next week (at the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Championships Feb. 16-18 at Grove City College).

“Right now, he’s swimming very well. He listens to critiques,” Wallace added.

Pritchard also swims the 100 and 200 breaststroke events and will take part in the 50 freestyle at the conference championship meet.

“I was on two medley relays because last year we lost a senior breaststroker,” Pritchard said. “Since I do the breaststroke, I figured I’d be in.

“It’s been pretty smooth. Everyone sort of knew each other. we had heard of each other. We were pretty excited we had a fast medley relay.

“We knew we’d do good, but it was a matter of how good we were going to do,” Pritchard added.

Pritchard was a four-year letterwinner and four-time WPIAL qualifier at Seneca Valley.

He was a five-time WPIAL medalist and two-time team MVP. As a senior, he qualified for the PIAA Championships.

As for Opalewski, he has given swimming his undivided attention this season as he dropped water polo as his other endeavor.

“Actually, I’m starting to feel a lot better this year,” Opalewski said. “I’ve had more time to train ... I’ve been adapting to higher distances this year.”

Opalewski had to, since he was shifting to different events.

“Andrew has evolved a bit,” Wallace said. “The 50 and 100 free were his bread and butter. This year, out of necessity, he’s in the 200 free. He’s taken it and done well with it. It’ll be interesting to see what he does once he tapers and gets ready for the conference championships,” Wallace added.

While at Slippery Rock, Opalewski, a four-year letter winner, pretty much swam every event. He placed third in the 50 free at the District 10 championship meet.

“When I came here, I didn’t try out as much,” Opalewski said. “My backstroke didn’t turn out as well as my freestyle.

“My freshman year, I did a couple of relays and we broke a record (the pool records in the 400 free relay at 3:12.79 and 200 medley relay at 1:37.86).”

Opalewski also takes part in the 100 free, 200 free and 500 free.

“With all our guys, he’ll have to fight for a spot for relays, but he definitely has a shot,” Wallace noted.

The move has given Opalewski a different perspective on training, especially with his training partners.

“It’s tough in some ways because I’m not sure if we’d be in the same practice group, but it can be exciting, training with new people,” Opalewski said.

“I also fee like I can contribute to the team. We’ve lost a few 200 free swimmers the past few years. We have enough 50 free swimmers, so now I can use my flexibility in other events.”