News Summary

The Utah High School Swimming State Championships took place at BYU, showcasing remarkable talents and impressive records. Key highlight performances included record-breaking swims from competitors in various classifications, particularly in the 5A category where multiple state records were shattered. The event brought excitement and fierce competition as teams and athletes vied for top positions, marking the culmination of an exhilarating swimming season. With even more events planned, swimming enthusiasts look forward to witnessing potential new records in upcoming meets.

Record-Setting Performances Shine at Utah High School Swimming State Championships

As the high school swimming season in Utah winds down, excitement is at an all-time high with the 2024-25 swimming season kicking off its grand finale. Over the next two weekends, top competitors will gather at Brigham Young University (BYU) for the state meets in the 6A, 5A, 4A, and 3A classifications. Can you feel the anticipation in the air?

Breaking Records Like Never Before

This year has already seen two impressive state records shattered. Highland’s Veronica Black has made a splash in the 100 breaststroke, while Olympus’ Abe Astle has turned heads in the 200 freestyle. Astle, not to be outdone, went on to break four state records during the preliminary races of the 5A meet. His extraordinary times include:

  • 200 Individual Medley: 1:45.56
  • 50 Freestyle: 20.09
  • 100 Freestyle: 44.03
  • 100 Backstroke: set while swimming the opening leg in relays

Just like that, Astle now holds five of the eight individual state records! His team, Olympia, didn’t stop at individual glory. The boys and girls relay teams, driven by Astle’s fierce competitiveness, also set new state records for the:

  • 200 Freestyle Relay: 1:21.96
  • 400 Freestyle Relay: 3:01.81

The Rising Stars

But it’s not just Astle making headlines. Brighton’s junior sensation, Luan Barnard, took the 5A stage by storm, etching his name in the record books with a time of 48.44 seconds in the 100 backstroke. And if that wasn’t enough, Highland’s Veronica Black also demonstrated her incredible talent by breaking the 200 IM state record with an astounding time of 2:03.09 during prelims.

The annual state meet is not just about individual accolades; it’s a time for team spirit! With Olympus’ boys and girls teams as the defending state champions, they are looking to repeat their victories. Throughout the upcoming weekends, the tension will rise as athletes race for glory in a multitude of events, including:

  • 200 medley relay
  • 200 freestyle
  • 50 freestyle
  • 100 butterfly
  • 500 freestyle
  • 400 freestyle relay

Record Breakers and Close Competitions

It was an exhilarating day at BYU with some amazing preliminary results. Hunter Dawson from Reed made waves by breaking the long-standing state record for the 50-meter freestyle, clocking in at 20.50 seconds. This impressive feat had not been achieved since 1989! He topped off his day by winning the 100 freestyle at the 5A state swimming and diving meet.

In an intensely competitive atmosphere, the Reed boys’ team finished just two points shy of the champions, Palo Verde, wrapping up with a close 92 points. They also won the 200 medley relay (1:35.86) and the 200 freestyle relay (1:26.82), showing that they are a force to be reckoned with!

Turning our attention to the boys 3A state meet, Truckee senior Lance Wogsland slammed the competition, winning the 50 Free with a speedy time of 22.44 seconds. Meanwhile, Sage Ridge senior Zach Power secured wins in both the 100 Fly (48.91 seconds) and the 500 Free (4:38.45). Coral Academy senior Felix Siemiatkowski concluded the day with a firm grip on victory in the 100 Free at 49.25 seconds.

Looking Ahead

With all this hype, it’s impossible not to look forward to the upcoming CIF state championship meet. If all goes according to plan, we might witness even more records shattered by local talents, including the impressive Torrey Pines’ Aya Ferguson and others. Remember, the sky is truly the limit in the world of high school swimming!

This season has been filled with thrilling performances. Stay tuned as we watch these young athletes make their mark!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

LIVE BALL Resources

Grand Rapids Hosts MHSAA Division 1 Girls Tennis Finals
Kansas High School State Baseball Tournaments Kick Off
Massachusetts High School Baseball State Tournament Kicks Off
Iowa Boys High School Soccer Championship Approaches
Branford Mourns Swimming Icon John O’Connor at 80
Columbus High’s Keaton Barnes Excels at State Golf Championship
Andover High School Seniors Shine as Swim Champions
Local Swim Star Ava Zadigian Commits to UNT
Glenwood Springs Boys Swim Team Shines at State Meet
Branford Says Goodbye to Swimming Legend John O’Connor

Additional Resources