For freshman Nathan LaFrance, it was exhilarating to be competing at the boys swim state championship meet on Feb 21 and 22.
“I was so incredibly honored to be at state as a freshman and to place in the top 10 in each of my individual events,” LaFrance said.
LaFrance competed in the 50-yard freestyle and the 100-yard freestyle individually, as well as the 200-yard freestyle relay and the 400-yard freestyle relay.
LaFrance earned his qualifying state times early in the season.
“When I touched the wall after the 50 free, I knew I’d had a great race,” LaFrance said. “When I looked up and saw that my time had just qualified me to compete at state, I couldn’t help but celebrate. My teammates may have been more excited for me than I was.”
LaFrance went into state ranked 12th for the 100 freestyle and then placed 10th, and was ranked 15th in the 50 freestyle, but placed 9th.
“I was relieved after my races at state because I got personal records and it was a great way to end the season,” LaFrance said.
Freshman Nate Trigg also swam at state in the 100-yard breaststroke.
“I didn’t actually get a state qualifying time, but I got a state consolation time, which means they didn’t fill all the slots with qualifying swimmers, and I was one of the next fastest to swim,” Trigg said.
He placed 23rd in his race, but plans to come back next year and improve.
“My biggest goal for next season is to improve my times and go to state with a better standing and place in the top 15,” Trigg said. “And then just work my way up until my senior year where I could place in the top 8 and medal.”
Both LaFrance and Trigg agree that all the practices and time put into swim was worth it in the end.
“There were times I just wanted to skip practices because I had homework to do or just didn’t feel like swimming, but I kept with it anyways and I’m really glad I did,” Trigg said. “Swimming is a physically and mentally tough sport but my teammates were supportive of everybody and that helped a lot. We helped each other throughout the entire season and we’re all really good friends now. I can’t wait for next year.”