On Mar. 1-2 at the District II Class AA swimming championships at the Wilkes-Barre CYC, Tunkhannock Area freshman Morgan Manglaviti took second place in the 100 freestyle at 56.11 to earn a berth to the state meet at Bucknell University on Mar. 15-16. Manglaviti also placed fourth in the 50 free at 25.75 and helped both the 200 free relay and 200 medley relay teams take fourth place medals in the district.

For her accomplishment, Manglaviti has been named the Wyoming County Press Examiner’s Athlete of the Week.

Class, age, hometown:  Freshman, 14, Tunkhannock.

Family:  Mike, father; Donna, mother; Mike, 19, brother; Nikki, 27, sister, and Megan, 14, twin sister.

Other sports I play: Cross country and track.

Athletes I admire: U.S. Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps and Tunkhannock teammate Ben Spencer.

Favorite Movie: “The Green Mile.”

Favorite Food: “Chicken wings.”

Three people I’d like to have dinner with: U.S. Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, actor Nicholas Hoult and actress Jennifer Lawrence.

How does it feel to medal in a pair of individual events in your freshman year? “It feels great. I didn’t think I’d be able to come this far in my freshman year.”

You also helped the 200 free and 200 medley relay teams take fourth. Is it a different feeling to win a medal with your teammates? “When I medal in individual events I feel like I worked really hard. But, when you win one as a group it’s more about working well together with your teammates.”

What were your expectations going into your first district meet? “I was really planning on going to states and it feels amazing to be able to.”

What do you hope to accomplish at the state meet? “I’m not really sure what to expect. I just hope to go in and swim a new best time in my event.”

How has the transition from the youth team to varsity worked out for you this year? “It’s a different experience. I like the varsity better. We work a lot harder.”

When did you first start swimming? “I was eight years old. I started swimming for the Tigersharks.”

Who is your biggest swimming role model? “My teammate Kandis Venn. I really look up to her.”