Kingwood downs Forney on PKs for state title

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

GEORGETOWN, TEXAS (April 11, 2026) The Kingwood girls soccer team brought home the UIL Class 6A Division II state title on Saturday. The Mustangs beat Forney in a thrilling match that went to penalty kicks. It was an exciting day for Houston soccer fans.

The game took place in Georgetown, Texas. Forney scored first in the opening half. Addison Smith put the ball in the net about 33 minutes into the match. Kingwood stayed strong and kept fighting.
With just 46 seconds left in regular time, Kingwood senior midfielder Tyler Weaver (shown above right, white kit) tied the score at 1-1. Her goal sent the game into overtime. Both teams played hard for two extra periods, but no one scored again.
In the end, Kingwood won the shootout 4-2. The Mustangs stayed calm and made their kicks count. Forney played a great season too, but Kingwood came out on top.Kingwood finished the year with an amazing record of 27-0-2. They went the whole season without a loss. This marks their first state championship since 1999 and the third in program history.

Pasadena area swimmers compete at TAAF Games of Texas Summer State Championships.

Story by Chris Price
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

BRYAN, TEXAS (August 3, 2025) The South Belt Area "All Stars" Swimming Team (SBAS) competed in the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF) Games of Texas Summer State Championships and returned home with many accolades and honors, along with many lifetime best times. The championships were held at the Bryan Aquatic Center in Bryan, Texas.

In the 15-17 age group division, the top finisher was the SBAS Mixed 100-yard Freestyle Relay (shown above), consisting of Pasadena High School seniors Daniel Garza and Giovanni Lopez, who teamed up with Pasadena Memorial High School's junior Angelina Hernandez and senior Kailey Montoya to place fifth in the hotly contested race. The SBAS foursome posted the time of :59.37, which was faster that the time they recorded (1:02.18) in their gold medal performance at the TAAF Region 14 Championships two weeks earlier.

In the 15-17 age group individual events, Montoya placed 38th in the 50-yard Breaststroke and 45th in the 100-yard Individual Medley. Pasadena Memorial High School senior Gwendalynn Alvarado finished 29th in the 200-yard Freestyle and 45th in the 50-yard Butterfly. Hernandez competed in 100-yard Freestyle (49th place) and 100-yard Individual Medley (46th).

J. Frank Dobie High School senior Joel Chapa placed 58th in the 50-yard Butterfly, 58th in the 100-yard Freestyle and 73rd in the 50-yard Freestyle. Lopez placed 45th in the 50-yard Backstroke and 46th in the 50-yardd Breaststroke. with Garza placing 36th in th 50-yard Butterfly, 58th in the 100-yard Freestyle, and 62nd in thr 50-yard Freestyle.

In the girls 15-17 relay events, Hernandez, Montoya and Alvarado teamed up with Holly King to take 11th in the 200-yard Medley Relay and 12th in the 200-yard Freestyle Relay.

In the girls 13-14 division, Sam Rayburn High School sophomore Gabriella Olivo placed 28th in the 100-yard Individual Medley and 28th in the 50-yard Backstroke.

The South Belt Area "All Stars" Swimming Team is a select competitive swimming team, consisting of athletes from the Pasadena, South Houston, Deer Park and Texas Gulf Coast areas.

2025 TAAF Games of Texas to draw over 8,000 athletes to Bryan-College Station

By Chris Price
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS (July 28, 2025) The 2025 Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF) Games of Texas, a premier Olympic-style event. The Games will bring more than 8,000 amateur athletes to Bryan and College Station from July 31 to August 3. Marking its eighth appearance in the Brazos Valley, the four-day festival will feature competitions in over a dozen sports, including swimming, track and field, boxing, tennis, esports, and ultimate frisbee, held at local venues such as Texas A&M’s E.B. Cushing Stadium, the Bryan Aquatic Center, and Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater.
In 2019, the Games attracted 20,000 athletes, families, and volunteers, generating an estimated $8.1 million in economic impact, 
To manage the expected influx of visitors, several local facilities will close temporarily, including College Station’s parks, recreation centers, and pools from July 31 to August 3, and the Bryan Aquatic Center from July 28 to August 6. Authorities advise drivers to anticipate traffic delays near competition venues and encourage early arrivals and carpooling, with parking available at each site. The public is invited to attend the opening ceremonies on Friday, August 1, at Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater.

Highland Park forfeits state soccer title after using ineligible player

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

GEORGETOWN, TEXAS (April 13, 2025) It was a night of highs and lows for the Highland Park boys soccer team. On Friday, they celebrated their biggest win ever, a 2-0 victory over Liberty Hill in the UIL Class 5A Division II state championship. But just hours later, the team had to give up the title.

Highland Park staff found out after the game that one of their players was not eligible to play. After a quick investigation, the school confirmed the mistake and reported it to the University Interscholastic League, which oversees high school sports in Texas. According to UIL rules, a team must forfeit any game where an ineligible player takes the field. So, Liberty Hill was awarded the state championship.

This would have been Highland Park’s first-ever state soccer title. The team had only made it to the state championship game once before, back in 1987. Players, coaches, and fans were excited to make history, but that celebration didn’t last long.

In a statement posted on social media, Highland Park ISD shared the news with parents and fans, saying, 

“Highland Park High School has confirmed the student's ineligibility, and the district will be self-reporting the incident to the UIL immediately. This results in a forfeiture in the state championship game.” 

They also thanked the team for their hard work and sportsmanship during the season.

Highland Park’s situation is not the only one this season. Progreso High School also had to forfeit a playoff match earlier in the tournament because of an ineligible player. Their semifinal game was canceled just minutes before it was supposed to start.

North Crowley captures state title with 50-21 win over Westlake

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

ARLINGTON, TEXAS (December 21, 2024) The North Crowley Panthers won their first state football title by downing the Westlake Chaparrals 50-21 to capture the UIL Class 6A Division I championship

at AT&T Stadium.

The Panthers started strong, scoring a touchdown early in the first quarter. Quarterback Chris Jimerson connected with wide receiver Quentin Gibson for a 75-yard touchdown pass, putting North Crowley ahead 7-0. Westlake responded later in the quarter with a touchdown, tying the game at 7-7. However, North Crowley regained the lead before the end of the first quarter, finishing the period up 14-7.

In the second quarter, the Panthers' defense held Westlake scoreless while their offense added another 14 points, bringing the halftime score to 28-7 in favor of North Crowley. The third quarter saw both teams scoring, but North Crowley extended their lead by adding 15 points compared to Westlake's 7, making it 43-14. In the final quarter, each team scored a touchdown, resulting in a final score of 50-21.

This victory highlights North Crowley's strong performance on both offense and defense, showcasing their readiness as they advance further into the playoffs. The Panthers' ability to execute big plays, like the 75-yard touchdown pass, and their defensive efforts to limit Westlake's scoring opportunities were key factors in their win.

Vandegrift wins first state football championship with 24-17 victory over Southlake Carroll

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

ARLINGTON, TEXAS (December 21, 2024) The Vandegrift Vipers made history Saturday, winning their first-ever football state championship by defeating Southlake Carroll 24-17 in the UIL Class 6A Division II title game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

The Vipers, now 15-1, played as a team all season, and Saturday was no different. Head coach Drew Sanders, who has led the program since its start 14 years ago, praised the team’s unity.

“These guys aren’t flashy, but they love each other,” Sanders said. “Every challenge they faced this year, they just said yes.”

Southlake Carroll (15-1) took an early lead with a 9-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Angelo Renda to Brody Knowles. But Vandegrift answered quickly. Junior quarterback Miles Teodecki launched an 84-yard touchdown pass to George Farley to tie the game. Teodecki, named the game’s offensive MVP, completed 14 of 17 passes for 248 yards and two touchdowns.

Senior running back Brendan Fournier took over from there, scoring two touchdowns before halftime. He ran in a 2-yard score and caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from Teodecki with just 14 seconds left in the second quarter. Fournier rushed for 160 yards on 28 carries and added 27 receiving yards.

The Vipers’ defense shut down Southlake Carroll’s running game, allowing just 53 rushing yards on 17 carries. Senior linebacker Scott Buchanan earned defensive MVP honors with seven tackles, a fumble recovery, and two pass breakups.

Despite a fourth-quarter rally by the Dragons, Vandegrift held strong. Adam Scott led the team with nine tackles and a forced fumble, while Matthew Draeken and Jack Huerkamp each grabbed key interceptions.

“This means so much to us and all the players who came before us,” said Scott. “We got it done, but we’re standing on the work they started.”

The Vipers’ only loss this season came early against Cedar Park in Week 2, but they finished strong to claim the school’s first state football championship.

For the Dragons, Renda threw for 351 yards and two touchdowns but also had two interceptions. Receiver Brock Boyd stood out with 13 catches for 178 yards and a touchdown.

Smithson Valley wins Texas 5A Division 1 state championship

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

ARLINGTON, TEXAS (December 21, 2024) Smithson Valley made history on Saturday, beating Highland Park 32-20 in the Texas 5A Division 1 state championship at AT&T Stadium. Junior kicker Trent Amaya was the star of the game, tying a UIL state record by making four field goals.

Amaya showed his skills early, nailing field goals from 27 and 35 yards in the first quarter. He followed up with a 24-yarder in the second quarter and a 30-yarder in the third. While he missed a fifth attempt in the final quarter, his contributions kept the Rangers ahead throughout the game.

Quarterback Cade Spradling was another key player for Smithson Valley. He rushed for 147 yards and scored two touchdowns. In the second quarter, he connected with Brody Day on a 24-yard touchdown pass. Then, with just 3:39 left in the fourth quarter, Spradling ran for a 4-yard touchdown to seal the victory.

Running back Brad Sowersby also had a strong performance, leading the game with 152 rushing yards on 22 carries. On defense, Julian Colunga made a big play, returning an interception 23 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter.

For Highland Park, quarterback Buck Randall had an impressive game, throwing for 316 yards and two touchdowns. He connected with Benton Owens for a 73-yard touchdown and Cannon Bozman for a 49-yard score. But it wasn’t enough to overcome Smithson Valley's balanced attack.

The win capped off a great season for Smithson Valley, finishing with a 14-2 record and bringing home the state title.

Harlingen South punches ticket to UIL 5A state softball championship game

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

GEORGETOW, TEXAS (May 31, 2024)  For the first time in school history, the Harlingen South Lady Hawks have advanced to the 5A UIL State Championship title game in softball. 

The Lady Hawks competed against the Aledo Ladycats at East View High School in Georgetown. The game was thrilling and intense, with the Lady Hawks winning by a narrow margin of 1-0. This victory was particularly impressive given the tough competition they faced.

The playoffs were originally supposed to be held at Red & Charline McCombs Field in Austin. However, due to bad weather, the location was changed to East View High School. Despite this change, the Lady Hawks stayed focused and played their best game.

Now, the Lady Hawks are gearing up for their next big challenge. They will compete against the Melissa Cardinals in the championship round. The Melissa Cardinals earned their spot in the championship by defeating Lake Belton with a score of 4-0 on Friday morning.

The state championship game is set to take place at Red & Charline McCombs Field in Austin. The first pitch will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 1. 

Melissa softball downs Lake Belton in UIL state semifinal

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography        Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

AUSTIN, TEXAS (May 31, 2024) The Melissa Cardinals (shown above) added another impressive win to their record on Friday as they defeated Lake Belton 4-0 in the Class 5A state semifinal, played at the University of Texas' Red & Charline McCombs Field.

Caigan CrabtreeCaigan Crabtree, a standout player whom has committed to Texas, had a fantastic game. She went 3-for-3 at the plate, hitting RBI doubles in the first and third innings. She also made a spectacular leaping catch at shortstop in the fourth inning. Thanks to Crabtree’s stellar performance, Melissa secured their spot in the state title game, which will take place on Saturday at 1 p.m. against Harlingen SouthHarlingen South.

Melissa is hoping to become the first Dallas-area team to win a UIL softball state title since Forney did in 2018. Freshman second baseman Amariee Bradford hit her seventh home run of the season in the bottom of the sixth inning, giving Melissa a state-record total of 90 home runs for the season. This total ranks them second in national history, with only Stonewall North Desoto from Louisiana having hit more, with 105 homers in 2022.

Melissa’s team features three of the most prolific sluggers in state history. Freshman Hutton Adrian has hit 22 home runs, breaking the Dallas-area single-season record. Sophomore Kennedy Bradley has 20 homers, and junior Caigan Crabtree has 19. Together, these three players have combined for 186 hits, 116 extra-base hits, and 180 RBIs in 39 games this season.

The game started an hour late due to bad weather, but Melissa wasn’t fazed. Bradley singled in the first inning, and Crabtree followed with an RBI double to put Melissa on the board. In the third inning, Bradley singled again, and Crabtree hit another RBI double. Bradford added a sacrifice fly, scoring Crabtree and giving Melissa a 3-0 lead.

Bradley, who transferred to Melissa from Prosper Rock Hill, had shoulder surgery last year and couldn’t swing a bat for six months. But she showed her strength by going 2-for-3 in the game. Melissa’s pitcher, Alex Starr, a Michigan State pledge, pitched a three-hit shutout, stranding six runners and improving her record to 28-1.

Lake Belton, who had averaged 6.8 runs per game in the playoffs, couldn’t score against Starr. Despite winning 35 of their last 36 games, Lake Belton couldn’t overcome Melissa’s strong defense and pitching.

Katy Seven Lakes down Flower Mound in nail-biting state 6A final

Story and photo Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

GEORGETOWN, TEXAS (April 13, 2024) In a thrilling showdown at Birkelbach Field, Flower Mound's hopes for a second state soccer championship were dashed in a heart-pounding battle against Katy Seven Lakes. Despite a valiant effort, Flower Mound fell short in a 2-1 defeat in the UIL 6A boys state final.

The game was a true test of grit and determination, with both teams leaving everything on the field. Flower Mound, coming off a strong 2-0 semifinal victory over Austin Vandegrift, entered the final match ready to give it their all.

Coach David Doyle praised his team's resilience, noting their ability to thrive under pressure. Flower Mound found themselves trailing early but fought back fiercely, equalizing the match with a brilliant goal from Landon DeLeeuw.

However, Katy Seven Lakes proved to be a formidable opponent, with Aidan Morrison delivering a stunning 30-yard free kick in the second overtime to secure the victory. Morrison's performance showcased why he was the 2023 Gatorade National Player of the Year.

Despite being outshot by their opponents, Flower Mound refused to back down, thanks in part to the heroic efforts of goalkeeper Morgan English, who made several crucial saves throughout the match.

Midlothian Panthers make history with first-ever UIL state soccer championship

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

GEORGETOWN, TEXAS (April 13, 2024) The Midlothian High School Panthers boys soccer team achieved a remarkable feat on Saturday, securing its first-ever state UIL Division 5A state title in program history in a thrilling 3-1 victory over Frisco Wakeland at Birkelbach Field. 

The win marked the culmination of a remarkable journey for the team, which advanced to its first state tournament appearance and then swiftly progressed to the title game within a span of just 48 hours. Senior forward Landon Exley became the hero of the day with a crucial goal in the 79th minute, assisted by Ayden Hildreth, sealing the victory for Midlothian. Head coach Austin Guest attributed the team’s success to their collective effort and hard work throughout the playoffs, highlighting the players' commitment to working together as a unit.

The championship match saw a dramatic turn of events, with Wakeland taking an early lead courtesy of senior midfielder Thomas Hayes. However, Midlothian quickly responded, with senior midfielder Caden Naizer leveling the score with a penalty kick just a minute later. The teams remained deadlocked at one goal apiece heading into halftime.

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

Midlothian came out strong in the second half, with Hildreth’s header off a corner kick by Naizer in the 46th minute giving them the lead. Hildreth (shown left), who finished the regular season as one of the top scorers in the Dallas area, earned the game's MVP honors for his outstanding performance.

The victory over Wakeland, a perennial soccer powerhouse, marks a significant milestone for Midlothian, which demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the tournament. Senior goalkeeper Kyle Allen played a crucial role in securing the win, making eight saves in the title game.

For the Panthers, the road to the championship was paved with challenges, including a tough semifinal match against Baytown Goose Creek Memorial, which they won 3-0. Junior midfielder Marcus Manu, Naizer, and Hildreth each contributed a goal in the semifinal victory.

The triumph over Wakeland also carries historical significance for the Dallas-area soccer scene, marking the first time since 2021 that a Frisco ISD school did not claim the boys soccer state title. Wakeland, a nine-time state finalist, has been a dominant force in Texas high school soccer, but Midlothian's victory underscores the team's determination and resilience.

Great Hearts Monte Vista swims to state titles at 4A and under state championships

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (February 16, 2024)  San Antonio Great Hearts Monte Vista showcased their swimming prowess at the UIL Class 4A and under Swimming & Diving State Championships, dominating the competition and leaving a trail of broken records in their wake. Led by standout performances from Averie Hager, Sawyer Stolarczyk, and Jaylee Hager, the Lions secured both the boys' and girls' team titles in impressive fashion.

Sophomore sensation Averie Hager stole the spotlight by setting a new 4A record in the girls 100-yard butterfly with a blistering time of 55.25, highlighting her exceptional talent in the pool. Not to be outdone, Sawyer Stolarczyk, also a sophomore, clinched four gold medals, including breaking meet records in the 200-yard and 100-yard freestyle races. Stolarczyk's electrifying performance in the anchor leg of the 400-yard freestyle relay secured the boys' team title for Great Hearts Monte Vista.

Meanwhile, Jaylee Hager, another sophomore standout, showcased her versatility by winning gold in the 200-yard freestyle and the 100-yard backstroke, setting meet records in both events. The Hager twins' contributions were instrumental in the Lions' success, as they dominated the competition across various events and relays.

In addition to their individual achievements, both the boys' and girls' teams demonstrated remarkable teamwork by sweeping the relay events. The girls set an impressive seven meet records, while the boys broke three state records, solidifying their dominance in the pool.

With stellar performances from Averie Hager, Sawyer Stolarczyk, Jaylee Hager, and the rest of the Great Hearts Monte Vista team, the Lions have firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in Texas high school swimming. Their record-breaking achievements at the state championships serve as a testament to their talent, hard work, and unwavering determination in the pool.

The final results from the meet can be viewed here.

Photos from the meet, by TexSport Publications senior photographer Darla Tamulitis can be viewed here.

The Woodlands High School girls win 2023 6A swimming and diving state title

Photo by Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2022 All Rights Reserved

AUSTIN, TEXAS (February 18, 2023) San Antonio Johnson's Jada Scott and Mansfield's Elise Clift both claimed double gold with The Woodlands High School (shown above) claiming the overall team title at the 2023 UIL 6A Girls State Swimming and Diving Championships at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center on Saturday.

Scott won the 50-yard freestyle with the time of :22.42. She followed that up about two hours later with a victory in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:00.59). The senior announced this past May that she will attend the University of Alabama and swim for the Crimson Tide in 2023. Clift, who is a junior, took top honors in the 200-yard freestyle (1:47.44) and the 500-yard freestyle (4:46.23). 

The Woodlands, who won just a single relay, claimed the team title with 300 points over second place Southlake Carroll (284) and third place Mansfield (163). The team champions based their team title on placing many swimmers in the finals to score vital points in route to the title. 

In fact, the Highlanders picked up 58 of their points in the 500-yard freestyle placing four girls in the championships finals and placing second, third, fifth, and eighth in the event. Their single victory in the 200-yard freestyle relay (1:33.67), garnering 40 points. They also picked up 66 points with a second place finish in the 200-yard medley relays and third in the 400-yard freestyle relay. Southlake Carroll won the 200-yard medley relay (1:42.84) and the 400-yard freestyle relay (3:25.80) to lead them to their second place finish.

In the other individual events, three senior finished out their high school careers with state titles. Hannah O'Leary (Round Rock) won the 200-yard individual medley (2:00.52), with Vista Ridge's Paula Warren taking the gold in the 100-yard backstroke (:55.24). College Park's Chloe Sharpe topped the field in winning the 1-meter springboard diving event (335.05 pts).

Two sophomores made their way to the top of the medal stand; Marin Clem (Southlake Carroll) in the 100-yard freestyle (:49.07) and San Antonio Reagan's Montserrat Spielman in the 100-yard butterfly (:53.42).

Top seeds advanced in UIL 6A girls state swimming and diving championships

Story and Photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

AUSTIN, TEXAS (February17, 2023) Southlake Carroll High School garnered the top seeds in all three relays and Mansfield High School gained top seeds in four individual events in the prelim session of the 2023 UIL 6A Girls Swimming and Diving Championships in Austin.

The fans in attendance saw the Dragons finish first in the 200-yard medley relay (1:42.84), 200-yard freestyle relay (1:25.67) and the 400-yard freestyle relay (3:25.73) to set them up as the top seed in all three events for Saturday's finals.

Mansfield earned to seed in the finals with junior Elise Clift in the 200-yard freestyle (1:48.10) and the 500-yard freestyle (4:49.33). They also had top qualifiers in the 200-yard individual medley when Gracie Walker posted the time of 2:00.45. She was join by Katie Walker in the 100-yard butterfly (:54.04).

Fort Bend Clements junior Kayla Fu was tops in the 100-yard freestyle (:49.84) awhile Cedar Park Vista Ridge was the top qualifier in the 100-yard backstroke (:55.24).

Diving Chloe Sharpe  12  Conroe Woodlands College Park 355.05, Senior Jada Scott of San Antonio Johnson finished first in the 50-yard freestyle (:22.51) and 100-yard breaststroke (1:01.41).

The finals of the 6A division will kickoff on Saturday at 9:30 a.m.

Record falls in prelims of UIL 6A swimming and diving championships in Austin

Story and photo by  Robert H Kelly    
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

AUSTIN, TEXAS (February 17, 2023) Fort Bend Clements senior Logan Brown swam his way to a new state record at the UIL 6A State Swimming and Diving Championships on Friday afternoon. In the third heat of the boys 100-yard breaststroke, Brown blasted past the competition; posting the time of  53.03 seconds, earning him the top seed in Saturday's finals at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center.

The previous 6A and overall state record of :53.39 was established by Brown at the 2022 state meet, and lasted for 364 days. He also captured the top seed for the finals in the 200-yard individual medley with the time of 1:45.09.

Also gaining the top seed in two events for the finals was Keller High School's Cooper Lucas. The junior qualified first in the 200-yard freestyle  (1:36.76) and 500-yard freestyle (4:24.53). Keller also earned the top seed in all three relays; 200-yard medley relay (1:30.75), 200-yard freestyle relay  (1:22.28), and 400-yard freestyle relay (3:00.33).

Seniors Hayden Bellotti (Fort Bend Clements), Sonny Wong (Round Rock Westwood) and Logan Pack (Katy Taylor) all qualified first in the 50-yard freestyle (:19.95), 100-yard freestyle (:43.52), and 100-yard backstroke (:48.23), respectively,

Junior Jacob Wimberly (Prosper) earned the top seed in the 100-yard butterfly (:46.99) with Prosper Rock Hill's Luke Sitz leading all divers with the score of 412.65 after the semi-finals.

The 6A finals will kickoff at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

Lubbock three-peets in winning girls UIL 5A state title.

Photo by
Darla S.Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2022 All Rights Reserved

By Robert Kelly
Copyright 2022 All Rights Reserved

AUSTIN, TEXAS (February 19, 2022) The Lubbock Westerners girls swimming and diving team successfully defended their UIL swimming and diving 5A title in winning the 2022 state championships at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center in Austin.

Not only did the Westerners defend their stated title, they made it a three-peet in winning the 2020 championships, winning by the score of 163 points over second place Prosper Rock Hill (144.5 points).

Almost half of Lubbock's points came from the relays. In winning in 200-yard medley relay with the time of 1:46.80, the Westerners tallied 40 points, along with 34 points for taking the silver medal in the 400-yard freestyle relay.  The foursome of Ellis Fox (back), Emma Brady (breast), Scatlett McCloud (fly), and Amrita Ramesh (free). combined to take the top honors in the medley relay. In the free relay, Kennedi Classen, who swam the second leg, combined with Fox, McCloud, and Brady, who filled the first, third, and anchor legs, respectively.

In the individual events, Fox led the charged, ascending the medal platform twice, taking the silver medal in both the 100-yard butterfly (:54.61) and the 100-yard backstroke (:55.18).

Brady also earned a trip to the medal stand with her silver medal performance in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:03.52). The senior also placed seventh in the 200-yard individual medley.

In one-meter diving competition, senior Alyssa Britt (shown above) place fifth with the score of 403.15 points. In addition, McCloud added to Lubbock’s point total with a ninth place finished in the 200-yard freestyle (1:55.29) and 14^th in the 500-yard freestyle (5:16.49).

Second place finisher Prosper Rock Hill had Jenna Kerkman earn medals in the 50-yard freestyle (third) along with Kiara Xanthos; third in the 100-yard breaststroke. Their relays all scored in the top eight, with the 200-yard medley relay placing fourth, 200-yard freestyle relay finishing sixth, and the 400-yard freestyle taking fifth.

Rounding out the team scoring in the 5A girls division was Friendswood in third place with 138 points, followed by Boerne Champion (121), Lamar Fulshear (118), and Magnolia (108).

Local swimmers find success at TAAF Games of Texas Summer State Championships

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (July 30, 2021) Two local Pasadena/Deer Park-area swimmers concluded their summer comeptitve season at the 2021 Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF) Games of Texas Summer State Swimming Championships in Corpus Christi, Texas. The competiton was held at the Corpus Christi Independent School District Natatorium and saw swimmers from around Texas vie for gold, silver and bronze medals.

Nicholas Brown (shown left) and Levi Del Angel (shown above) competed in the boys 13-14 age group and came home with five top 10 finished in their events. Del Angel, who will be a freshman at Pasadena Memorial High School competed in three events while Brown (shown left), who is also an incoming freshman, at First Baptist Christian Academy in Pasadena, swam two events.

Del Angel placed fifth in all three of his events; 100-yard freestyle with the time of  53.91 seconds, 50-yard freestyle (:24.89) and 100-yard individual medley (1:03.02). Brown placed seventh in the 50-yard bresaststroke (:34.91) and ninth in the 50-yard freestyle (:25.76).  

After his competition session, Brown stated,

"Being in Corpus was lots of fun, swimming against good competition was fun.  After the races he enjoyed eating at the Whataburger by the Bay.   I have been to State Games before and every time I have been I enjoyed it." 

Prior to the state championships, both young men competed in the TAAF Region 14 Swimming Championships at Katy High School in Katy, Texas. Del Angel won gold medals in all three of his events; 100-yard freestyle (55.60), 50-yard freestyle (:25.21), and 100-yard individual medley (1:05.28). Brown won the region title in the 100-yard breaststroke (:34.03) and took a silver medal in the 50-yard freestyle (:25.64).

The 2021 and 2022 TAAF Games of Texas are hosted by the City of Corpus Christi.