The Lancaster High School boys swim team won the Ohio Capital Conference and sent Jackson Hesley and William Mcmasters to compete at the State Competition for the second year in a row. Hensley also placed State Runner-up in the 200 Individual Medley. LHS teacher and head coach Kylee Crist said overall, the boys and girls had a successful season meeting goals and acquiring achievements.
“We had a great season. Some big highlights were sweeping the Tri-Valley Invitational where both boys and girls teams won, winning our fifth consecutive OCC for the boys and coming in second place for the girls, and having two swimmers advance to the State Swim Meet,” said Crist.
LHS senior Jackson Hesnley described some of his achievements.
“I won all four of my events at OCCs; was the sectional champ in the 100 butterfly; came in third place in both the 200 IM and 100 butterfly at the district meet; and was the state runner-up in the 200 IM at the OHSAA state swimming and diving meet,” he said.
LHS senior William Mcmasters said his senior year was by far the most memorable year yet and making it to the state competition for the second year in a row as a finalist was his best accomplishment this season.
“I am very proud to say that in my four years I have never lost a team OCC title and have been an individual OCC champion since sophomore year now. In addition to this, it was incredible to make it back to the OHSAA state championship for a second year in the 200 IM and 100 backstroke. Finally, to final at states in the 200 IM was my most proud moment of the season,” said Mcmasters.
According to Crist, the LHS girls swim team had a good season and had one swimmer compete at the district championship.
“Newcomer Ellie Meyer was the only girl on our team to make it to the District Meet and she made it in two events: 200 Freestyle, and 500 Freestyle. I’m expecting big things from her next year. Lauren Wilson and Ally Dick both returned this year and continued to fight for those relay times and wins. Meyer joined us this year and immediately made a huge impact on those relays and on our team in general,” said Crist.
LHS junior Lillian Carpico joined the girls swim team for the first time this year. She was faced with many challenges but she felt strong support from the coaches and senior athletes.
“This was my first time swimming, and I wasn’t sure how I would do or what to expect. The coaches are very supportive as there was always a coach at the start and end of my races. Everyone wanted the best for each other. The senior athletes set a great example,” said Carpico.
Both the boys and girls swim teams have already set goals for the next season.
“Next year will be a reloading year for the boys team. We graduate a lot of talent that we currently can’t replace. Our goal is not to win another OCC title, but to just be competitive,” said Coach Crist.
“We are going to be working on technique and fine tuning our training to have next season be a season of personal best times. And my girls team is eyeing an OCC title. We think we have it next year. That’s the goal,” she said.
