The swim and dive team wrapped up their season at the 2017 5A state meet at the University of Texas on Feb 17-18. The team brought 13 swimmers to state, along with four alternates. Although sophomore Dominic Toledo-Sanchez was sick a week before state, he still had positive things to say about the meet and about his team.

“I was able to get close to my best times and make it into A finals in all of my events including the relays,” Toledo-Sanchez said. “I believe the team did extremely well since  we brought over half the team to state. Despite being in the water for meets for about four weeks the school was represented well and we saw some lifetime bests. We had all worked hard to get to this meet and had a lot of fun throughout the season.”

Sophomore Bella Zapata placed fourteenth in the B final of the 200 yard individual medley (IM) while Junior Brady Sullivan placed eighth in the A final of the IM, which is the fastest final. In the 50 yard freestyle Junior Jay Lenner placed twelfth in the B final. Toledo-Sanchez stole sixth place in the A final of the 100 yard freestyle, dropping 0.37 seconds in the process, while placing sixth in the 100 yard backstroke in the A final. The boys 200 free relay took fifth place as well, sweeping past Lubbock High School and barely being out touched by Dallas Highland Park. Their 400 freestyle relay almost took the podium, placing fourth in the A final and dropping 1.36 seconds from their prelims time. The girls 200 yard medley relay placed eleventh overall in finals while their 200 yard freestyle relay placed fifth in the A final. Both relays consisted of Zapata, sophomore Riley Barlage, sophomore Sophia Roach, sophomore Samantha Aucoin and senior Kristen Perron.

“I think I performed well,” Perron said. “Our relays placed in the top eight, and I went a best time in my individual event. The meet was bittersweet because it was my last high school meet. High school swimming taught me to be dedicated to something I love, and if you put in hard work then success will come.”

According to Aucoin, the team was in high spirits and showed a good amount of sportsmanship.

“Everyone was so excited and enthusiastic,” Aucoin said. “We all cheered each other on and went best times. I learned this year that cheering on your teammates benefits your own individual races. I always tried to be there for everyone’s race and cheer them on.”

Toledo-Sanchez granted me with insight on a lesson that he learned at the end of the season that was humble and impactful.

“I learned never to underestimate your competition,” Toledo-Sanchez said. “You might be faster than them, but they could catch you sooner or later if you don’t keep giving it your all. Stay focused and work hard and you will achieve your goals.”