News Summary

Northwood High School senior, Derek Hitchens, has made history by being named All-County Boys Swimmer of the Year, the first for his school. Hitchens broke county records in the 100-yard freestyle and 100 backstroke, played a crucial role in his team’s victories, and maintained a strong academic record. With plans to swim at Columbia University, Hitchens exemplifies dedication both in athletics and academics.

Northwood’s Derek Hitchens Makes History as All-County Boys Swimmer of the Year

In a thrilling display of talent and determination, Northwood High School’s very own senior star, Derek Hitchens, has made a splash by being named the All-County Boys Swimmer of the Year. This is not just a remarkable achievement; it’s a historic milestone, as it marks the first time a swimmer from Northwood has received this honor.

Aiming for Greatness

As he entered his final season, Hitchens was not just aiming to win but also to challenge records across Orange County. His goal? To break records and propel his team to the coveted CIF State championship. And that’s exactly what he did!

Record-breaking Performances

Hitchens put on a showcase at the CIF Southern Section Division 1 finals, where he shattered the county records in both the 100-yard freestyle and the 100 backstroke. With a jaw-dropping time of 43.79 seconds in the 100-yard freestyle, he surpassed the long-standing record set by Derya Buyukuncu in 1994 by a mere six one-hundredths of a second. But the excitement didn’t stop there—Hitchens also set a record in the 100 backstroke, finishing in a stunning 47.19 seconds and beating Humberto Najera’s 2023 record by nearly two-tenths of a second!

Relay Strength

Hitchens was instrumental in leading the team to victory in the 200 freestyle relay, kicking things off with an impressive time of 20.67 seconds. The team’s relay clocked in a total winning time of 1:22.47, showcasing Hitchens’ ability to rise to the occasion during crucial moments.

Pushing Through Challenges

Even when faced with physical challenges, such as cramping before his finals, Hitchens persevered and performed admirably, strengthened by his commitment and belief in his abilities.

A Stellar State Meet

Hitchens didn’t stop at the county meet; he made waves at the CIF State meet on May 17, where he earned a second-place finish in the 100 backstroke with a time of 47.67 seconds and a fifth-place finish in the 100 freestyle with 44.24 seconds. Additionally, he played a key role in helping the Northwood team secure second place in the 400 freestyle relay, with the team finishing in 2:59.14. Northwood concluded the state meet with an impressive total of 180 points, besting host Clovis West, who finished with 161 points.

Dedication Above All

In an impressive show of dedication, Hitchens and several of his teammates even chose to forgo Northwood’s prom in favor of competing at the state meet, demonstrating their overwhelming commitment to their swimming goals.

Academic Excellence Too

Hitchens excelled not only in the pool but also in the classroom, maintaining an impressive 4.1 GPA while taking eight AP classes throughout high school. His hard work and dedication earned him this distinguished recognition.

What’s Next for Northwood?

With graduation on the horizon, Northwood is already planning to build around new emerging talents to keep their competitive edge strong in the coming seasons. They aim to continue the legacy of excellence that Hitchens helped establish during his time at the school.

Future Goals

As for Hitchens, he’s heading off to Columbia University to further his swimming career, setting the stage for even greater accomplishments in the future. With such a remarkable season under his belt, it’s safe to say that this is just the beginning for him as he dives into a new chapter of his life.

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