CPHS Swim and Dive competed at their 2017 district swim meet that took place on Jan. 20 at the Nitro swim center. This was another successful meet for the team who left with numerous first and second place titles. Almost every single swimmer on the team placed in the top three of their event, ranging from freshman to seniors. At the conclusion of the meet the team was named district champions and Coach Dean Lackey was awarded the title of district coach of the year. Placing second in the 100 free, senior Kristen Perron was very satisfied with how the team competed.

“It was really exciting seeing everyone race fast at districts and seeing all of our hard work pay off,” Perron said. “I am excited to see everyone race faster at regionals, and we hope the boys and girls teams can place in the top three. Everyone has put in the hard work and training, so hopefully we can get multiple state qualifiers. I can’t wait to see how we finish off the season.”

Junior Jack Weiland and freshman Alyse Dysart both took second in the 100 free while sophomore Riley Barlage and freshman Cooper Gilkey stole second in the 100 fly. Although the girls 200 medley relay was barely out touched by Rouse, they placed second and will have the opportunity to advance to Regionals. The boys 400 freestyle relay shook off this defeat and showed Rouse who was boss, stealing first and beating them by an astounding six seconds.

“We were thrilled to win the 400 free relay,” sophomore Dominic Toledo Sanchez said. “Our strategy was to have each swimmer swim between 49 and 50 seconds. We knew we had to swim fast to win so we went for it.”

First place titles were prevalent among the team as well. Sophomore Sean Cookson won first in the 200 free followed by junior Brady Sullivan who took first in the 200 individual medley. Sophomore Sophia Roach was first in the 50 free and Dominic Toledo Sanchez was first in the 100 free. Each of these swimmers, the top six in the event, will have the privilege to advance to Regionals.

“CPHS swim demonstrated their swimming abilities and team spirit at districts,” Sanchez said. “I’m excited to have our team represent our school at region, and I believe that we will return with some wins.”

Due to the numerous first and second place finishes, Coach Dean Lackey was chosen to be named district coach of the year, a prestigious feat that he has won for the second year in a row.

“I was awarded because the team did so well,” Lackey said. “We were looking very strong in our relays. Both of them have a high potential to go to state if we get some quality swims at regionals. A&M Consolidated is our biggest competition. If the other teams perform how I think they will then we will have a good chance.”

The team has 19 swimmers and 1 diver advancing to Regionals that will take place at Texas A&M University. This meet will determine if they are fast enough to be on the state team and the top two in each event will automatically advance to state. Make sure to wish the team luck if you see them in the halls.