Trib: Mt. Lebo native ready for Olympic swim team trials

She’ll be among the youngest swimmers at next week’s U.S. Olympic Team Trials, but Leah Smith has done everything she can over the past year to prepare herself for the biggest meet of her life.

She’s ready for the stage, if not exactly the arena.

“I’ve seen pictures of CenturyLink Center,” the 17-year-old freestyle specialist said of the Omaha, Neb., venue that greeted more than 160,000 spectators the last time it hosted the weeklong event in 2008. “I’ve never swam in front of more than 500 people, so it will be a lot different.”

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• www.triblive.com/sports/2074648-85/smith-olympic-team-trials-100-200-freestyle-400-leah-native (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)

The Almanac: Mt. Lebanon's Ford the fastest around in 50-yard freestyle

Cerebral often describes swimmers. With a 4.0 GPA, no doubt, Katie Ford is smart. However, the Mt. Lebanon sophomore doesn't put much thought into her races. That is, if she anticipates being successful.

"I don't like to think about anything when I swim," she said.

Hence, the 50-yard freestyle is not just her favorite event. To date, it's her best race.

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• www.thealmanac.net/alm/sportstory11/01-25-2012-Katie-Ford-w-pic (The Almanac)

The Almanac: Ford and Errington lead Mt. Lebanon ladies

Youth and experience are combining to help the Mt. Lebanon girls' swim team produce positive marks this winter.

For example, Katie Ford, though a freshman, can swim in every event while Courtney Errington, a junior, is a returning PIAA qualifier in the 200-yard freestyle.

"Katie is have a great season and Courtney is looking forward to swimming her best at the WPIAL and state championship meets," explained Lebo head coach Dave Schraven.

Read the full article:

• www.thealmanac.net/ALM/Story/01-26-2011-Lebo-swim-sidebar (The Almanac)