Lubbock High Swimming and Diving got the opportunity to go to state in Austin and compete in the 5A state Championship. The team competed with multiple schools Texas-wide. The boys finished in third place while the girls finished in sixth place. This is the first time an LISD boys team has finished in the top three at the state championships. 

More than 15 Westerners competed competitively and scored points for their team. Lots of first time state swimmers got the opportunity to go with the team. “It was very nerve racking, and scary. But it was also very fun cheering on our team and our free time in the hotels.” Jack Spalding said. Spalding is a freshman who swims the 200 freestyle and placed 15th. The nerves were all around the natatorium. “It was very exciting but at the same time I was nervous. It was definitely fun to cheer on my team and swim in the relay.” Reese Rains said. Rains is a freshman who swam in the 200 Medley relay and placed 4th place. 

The Westerner team brought seven seniors on the trip. The last swim meet for those seniors was extremely bittersweet. “Swimming in high school was an experience that I couldn’t get anywhere else, and it’ll be something that I will miss greatly when I go to college.” Scarlett Mccloud said. Mccloud swims the 100 freestyle and placed 4th and the 400 freestyle relay and placed 2nd. Mccloud will continue her swimming career at the University of North Texas following graduation. 

The swimmers have spent countless hours together building bonds that will last a lifetime. “The swim community is absolutely amazing. Having that be a central part of my high school experience and friend group has been amazing.” James Hendrix said. Hendrix swims the 100 freestyle and placed 11th, he also swims the 400 freestyle and placed 5th. Hendrix is a team captain for the boys team and has made a big impact on the team. The LISD Swim Coach, Trey Hayes, is extremely proud of his team and the team’s hard work and dedication to bringing home the state title.