BY PHIL GIANFICARO

They escorted their growling tummies into Paige Whitmire's home on Monday night.

Their bellies were empty, but Whitmire's mom's dinner table was full. Full of mouth-watering ziti, tasty bread, Caesar salad, cold refreshments and delectable desserts.

The roll call, which numbered 30 strong, consisted of some of Whitmire's Souderton swimming mates — Angela Severn, Mariel Kush, Chloe Thomas, Missy Doll, C.J. Corcoran and Ashley Kichline — Indians' coaches and some parents.

Even Souderton boys' team members Tim Dorsch and Jake Radcliffe took chairs at Mrs. Whitmire's table that grew to overflowing.

The feast fit for kings and queens was a celebration of the Souderton swimmers who qualified for the PIAA Class AAA Championships that will be held today and Thursday at Bucknell University.

And although the swimmers' bellies were full at meal's end, there remained a resonant, unyielding grumble that only success at states can satiate.

“This is what you work all season for — the chance to win states,” said Whitmire, a junior, who'll compete in the 50 freestyle today and the 100 backstroke on Thursday. “If I win states, I'll probably be so excited I won't want to get out of the water.”

Whitmire is seeded among the top eight in two individual events. In the 50 freestyle, in which she placed 16th last season, she's seeded eighth at 24.19. Bethel Park senior Charlotte Brockett, who finished third last year, is top seeded at 23.61.

But it's the 100 backstroke that has gnawed at Whitmire's gut for an entire year.

Last year at states, Whitmire finished second in 57.72, just .57 seconds behind Gettysburg's Tricia Weaner, who has graduated.

“That race has stayed with me longer because of how close I was to winning,” said Whitmire, whose 57.72 is second seeded to Greater Latrobe sophomore Anna Gibas' 57.15. “It was right there for me to win. That's the won I think more about winning this year.

“And that's the kind of race that can be anyone's. You can look at the psych times, but you never know who's prepared. All I can do is prepare the best that I can. I just have to make sure I do every little thing right. If I do all I can, then I can be satisfied that I gave it all I can.”

By the time Whitmire hits the water today, 12 days will have passed since she last competed at the district championships. She has used the time wisely, preparing physically and emotionally for the biggest event of the season.

“The coach (Todd Bauer) has brought in many different coaches who used to coach here to give us pep talks,” she said. “They've told us things like, "You can do it. Believe you can do it. Be confident. Never give up. Go into states telling yourself you can win.'

“I've also been visualizing each race. I've been thinking through everything I have to do: Tight streamline on the start, keep my head still when I breathe, good turns and a strong finish. I'm getting myself as prepared as I can.”

Whitmire, who will also swim on the 200 and 400 freestyle relays, said that although 366 days will have passed since she last competed at states, it only seems like yesterday.

When she left with a growling belly she hopes to quiet this time around.

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