In its young history, Byron Nelson high school has already been making a name for itself in a sport synonymous with its namesake.
But move over golfers, and make way for the Bobcats swimming program.Nelson recently ran away with both boys and girls Region 2-4A swimming and diving titles, marking the third consecutive year the Bobcats have hauled in top honors in the district and regional meets.Now the Nelson contingent in six events will move on to the state swimming and diving meet this weekend in Austin.“These are the fastest we’ve been in all the relays,” said head coach Steve Melbourn. “It’s also the highest scoring divers ever for our team.”Although the Bobcats have yet to crack the top 10 at the state meet, the challenge may be up for the taking. “We are hoping to move it up,” Melbourn said of a higher team finish.As a team, Nelson’s girls far outpaced second-place Mansfield Legacy, 470-254, with the boys beating out second-place Mansfield Lakeridge, 392-308.Taking regional championships were the boys and girls relays in the 200m and 400 m Freestyle events.In addition, Stephen Gilliland was the champion in the one-meter diving and Nicole Worley was second in the girls’ diving event.And it wasn’t just the relays making waves in the pool.Melbourn said 16 school records were set at the regional meet.The Bobcats are accomplishing their feats with very young talent, as the boys feature just one senior and two juniors, Melbourn said. “We’ve got eight sophomores and six freshmen. We lost quite a bit to graduation last year.”For one of the senior girls, Worley, who qualified for the state meet last year, as well, said the experience should pay dividends.“I think the experience will help at the state meet,” she said. “I don’t think I’ll be as nervous.”With just three years of diving experience, Worley noted that her previous training in gymnastics may have helped her develop her ability on the board.“I’m not really doing a lot differently,” she said of preparations for the state meet. “I think most of it is just the experience and increasing the difficulty in a few dives,” she said.A member of the girls’ 400m Freestyle relay, senior Quinn Taylor was excited about being a part of one of the school records, turning in a 3:50.“Being able to swim faster is a combination of the competition around you and a good type of pressure,” Taylor said.“It’s sad to know this will be the last meet with my team,” Taylor said, “but there’s plenty of motivation to make the last one the best.”Nelson will travel to Austin on Thursday in preparation for the state meet at the Lee and Joe Jamail Swim Center on Friday and Saturday.State qualifiers:Stephen Gilliland – 1-meter divingNicole Worley – 1-meter divingGirls 200 Freestyle Relay – Victoria Dahan, Leexa Leon, Eva Koster, Hannah ReckmeyerGirls 400 Freestyle Relay – Eva Koster, Quinn Taylor, Leexa Leon, Hannah ReckmeyerBoys 200 Freestyle Relay–Daniel Sampognaro, Adam Koster, Justin Frederick, Trevor HutsonBoys 400 Freestyle Relay – Justin Frederick, Seth Winstead, Trevor Hutson, Adam KosterHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
