East Xtra: Sisters setting fast pace at Franklin Regional
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Franklin Regional junior Kaitlyn Ruffing is one of the few swimmers in the WPIAL who can stay close during races in the water with her younger sister, sophomore Alyssa Ruffing.
Outside of the water the sisters couldn't be further apart.
Along with swimming Kaitlyn runs track, plays the piccolo in the school band and plays flute in the Westmoreland Youth Symphony Orchestra where she has been invited to national events and even won cash prizes.
Alyssa, who is exactly 15 months younger than Kaitlyn, swims year-round. Both have made plenty of noise in the water but outside of the water, Kaitlyn is much quieter.
"We're definitely completely different," Kaitlyn Ruffing said. "Alyssa is pretty outgoing and social and I'm pretty shy."
In the water they are much more alike. The Ruffing sisters are the fastest swimmers on arguably the fastest Franklin Regional girls' swim team ever.
Vic Santoro, who has coached for 20 years at Franklin Regional, calls Alyssa Ruffing the best girls' swimmer he has ever coached at the school.
As a freshman last season at the WPIAL championships, Alyssa Ruffing swam a 23.79 in the 50-yard freestyle to win a silver medal. Her older sister was just a bit behind with a 24.07 that was good enough for fourth place. Kaitlyn and Alyssa teamed up on a gold-medal winning 200 freestyle relay team and Alyssa won another gold medal in the 200 medley relay.
So far this season Alyssa Ruffing has the WPIAL's fastest reported time in the 50 freestyle (24.27) and the 100 freestyle (53.00). In most households Kaitlyn Ruffing would by far be the fastest swimmer in the house.
"We are competitive but in a good way," Alyssa Ruffing said. "We push each other."
Usually, it is Kaitlyn in practices who is giving Alyssa her toughest race of the week.
First Published February 16, 2012 12:00 am
