News Summary

The Dubuque Hempstead Boys Swimming Team made history by clinching their first state title at the Iowa High School Swimming Championships. With a total of 213.5 points, the Mustangs showcased remarkable teamwork and talent, winning gold medals in two relay events. Coach Rick Loeffelholz praised the dedication of his team, which included both experienced seniors and promising sophomores and juniors. The victory not only highlighted their competitive spirit but also earned them the ‘Coaching Staff of the Year’ honors, marking a significant milestone in Dubuque’s sports history.

Dubuque Celebrates Historic Win as Hempstead Boys Swimming Team Takes First State Title

This past weekend, the city of Dubuque was buzzing with excitement as the Hempstead Boys Swimming Team made history, clinching their very first state title at the Iowa High School Swimming Championships held at the beautiful campus of the University of Iowa. It was a thrilling two-day event that transformed the campus into a hub of competitive spirit and athletic prowess.

Making a Splash at the State Meet

With a total of 213.5 points, the Mustangs swam their way to victory, outshining the competition. Iowa City West secured the second position with 181 points, while Waukee finished close behind in third place with 177.5 points. Each race was filled with tension and excitement, as team members and supporters gathered to cheer on their swimmers.

The Power of Teamwork

Coach Rick Loeffelholz expressed immense pride in his team, highlighting how camaraderie and teamwork played a crucial role in achieving this significant milestone. The Mustangs’ roster was a mix of talent, featuring sophomores like Jake Dolphin and Caden Stickney, along with juniors Henry Gilbertson and Logan Westhoff, and experienced seniors including Owen Leitzen and Kyle Powers. Each swimmer contributed to the overall success of the team, showcasing their skills in the pool.

Relay Triumphs and Individual Highlights

While the Mustangs didn’t snag any individual state titles, they did grab gold medals in two out of the three relay events — the 200 freestyle relay and the 400 freestyle relay. These victories undoubtedly added to their impressive point total and excitement for the fans. Owen Leitzen made headlines by placing third in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 20.81 seconds, closely followed by teammate Kyle Powers, who finished fourth in the same event at 20.88 seconds. Powers also put in a strong effort in the 100 freestyle, securing another third-place finish with a time of 45.73 seconds, while Leitzen tied for fourth in that race as well.

A Crowning Achievement

As if that wasn’t enough, the Dubuque Hempstead team was awarded the Coaching Staff of the Year honors, a nice cherry on top of a phenomenal season. Going into the meet ranked eighth, the team’s goal was simply to finish strong, but their performance surpassed all expectations, culminating in this remarkable championship win.

Spotlight on Spectacular Swimmers

In addition to the excitement surrounding the Hempstead team, the state meet also showcased individual talents that dazzled the crowd. Swim competitors like Iowa City West’s Hayden Hakes, Linn-Mar’s Parker Macho, and Newton’s Finn Martin each shared the title of Swimmer of the Year after taking home two individual event victories. Notably, sophomore Jaiden Lovelace from Sioux City made headlines by shattering previous records in the para division, setting new state benchmarks in the 200 freestyle para with a time of 3:00.05 and the 100 freestyle para at 1:24.69.

Looking Ahead

The excitement doesn’t end here! The Iowa High School Sports Awards will take place on June 12 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, offering further recognition to the amazing talent shown throughout the season.

As the dust settles on this landmark achievement, the Dubuque Hempstead Boys Swimming Team has not only made their mark in the record books but has also inspired the next generation of swimmers. With a recipe of teamwork, hard work, and talent, who knows what they’ll accomplish next? Here’s to the Mustangs and their shining moment in Dubuque history!

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