On November 3, Chandler High Swim and Dive went to state and tore the pool apart. With three relays and four individual swimmers qualifying for state, it was a highly successful two days for Chandler.
On day one, the swim team made its way to Skyline High School to take on state bright and early. The team arrived and set up their equipment to prepare for the meet. Swimmers were preparing for their races by listening to music, zoning out, warming up in the water, eating pre-race snacks, talking to the coaches, and many other things. Rylee Becker, a junior at Chandler High, says that to get ready for her races, “I listen to my pump-up playlist and run through exactly what I need to do in the race. I reassure myself that I am capable of getting the time I want.” This is a great mindset for all athletes to have when competing. The day was very successful with Amias Hollister, sophomore, placing 24th in the 200 freestyle and 19th in the 500 freestyle. Tristan Kordell, junior, placed 30th in his 100 butterfly. The girls’ 400 freestyle relay placed 23rd. Making it to finals was the boys’ 400 freestyle relay when they climbed from 22 to 14th place on the first day, Lucas Leibrand, senior and one of the captains of the team, made finals by placing eighth in the 200 IM and thirteenth in the 100 freestyle and lastly, Ailani Ika, junior, made finals in the 200 IM and 100 breaststroke. Day one was such a success, everyone was looking forward to day two.
Day two again started bright and early and everyone was pumped to cheer on the finalists. Madeline Johnson, a sophomore at Chandler, says, “State is everyone’s favorite part of the season because we get to watch the best swimmers in the state compete against one another.” The final day brought many smiles as Ailani finished second in her 200 IM and third in the 100 breaststroke. Lucas finished seventh in his 200 IM and eleventh in the 100 freestyle. The boys’ 400 freestyle relay finished 15th overall. These swims were amazing, as there were so many schools competing, and these swimmers exceeded all expectations.
Chandler High is so lucky to have many amazing athletes on all their teams. Swim and Dive is just as packed with talent, and we cannot wait to see what is in store for them next season.
