Andrea McQueen might have surprised a few people last year, including herself.

She won't be sneaking up on anybody this time around.

Like so many other freshmen, McQueen arrived at the WPIAL Class AA swimming championships last March just looking to get some experience under her belt.

She ended up placing second in the 100-yard freestyle in 54.39 seconds and fourth in the 100 breaststroke (1:08.95).

"I was really surprised at my performance last year," said McQueen. "It was kind of overwhelming. I just went out and hoped for the best."

Now a sophomore, McQueen will enter this year's district championships ranked No. 1 in the 100 freestyle (54.40) and fourth in the 100 breaststroke (1:09.89).

She will attempt to add to her impressive run Thursday and Friday at the University of Pittsburgh's Trees Pool.

"She's gotten stronger and has more experience, and those two things are what it's all about," said Freeport coach Gregg McQueen.

But to win the 100 freestyle, McQueen must unseat the defending champion, Yough junior Kelsey Grushecky, who enters the WPIALs ranked third at 54.67.

"I'll be shooting for first place, but it's going to be tough," said McQueen. "Kelsey and Jen Beatty (from Indiana High School and seeded second) will be right there. I've swam against both of them and they're very good."

McQueen also will be swimming a leg on the 200 freestyle relay team, along with Lauren Palko, Gail Erickson and Katy Screen.

The quartet is seeded fifth at 1:44.57.

Also looking to improve on a solid outing last season is Mars' Jeff Gavin.

The junior finished fifth in both the 200 and 500 freestyle events last year and is seeded third and fifth, respectively entering this week's meet.

"I think Jeff has it in him to improve to third or fourth in both events," said Mars coach Gail Quigley.

The Planets girls will be sending a talented freshman in Courtney Shields, who is ranked fourth in the 50 freestyle and sixth in the 100 freestyle.

"She's constantly getting faster and is working very hard," Quigley said of Shields.

And then there are those swimmers who will be making their final trip to WPIALs, such as Bethany Legin.

The Knoch senior has qualified for the event every year since ninth grade and will enter this one seeded 10th in the 100 backstroke and 13th in the 200 freestyle.

"Bethany emerged as a leader right at the start of the season," said Knoch coach Stephanie Dawson. "She's helped the younger girls with their stroke techniques and has been a positive leader."

Also seeded in the top 10 in their respective events are Mars' Dave Pierre (ninth in the 100 breaststroke), Rachel Szymkowiak (seventh in 100 butterfly) and Freeport's Palko (eighth in 50 freestyle).

Notes: The WPIAL Class AA swimming championships will be held from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday. … The 200 medley relay, 200 freestyle, 200 individual medley, 50 freestyle, 100 butterfly and 200 freestyle relay will take place on Thursday, while all other events will be held Friday.