The Woodlands High School Swim and Dive team is heading to Austin this Friday for the UIL State Swimming and Diving Meet. Twenty-three students are set to compete for both individual and team titles at Lee & Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center at the University of Texas at Austin. TWHS Swim and Dive hopes to add yet another State Championship to their collection of over 21.
“The girls have a good shot to win state, and I think the guys have a good shot too,” TWHS Swim and Dive coach Jeremy Wade said.
If the team takes the state title, it will be a culmination of a great year of practice.
“This team by far is one of the hardest working teams I’ve ever coached: both on the boy’s side and the girl’s side,” Wade said, “they’ve kind of raised the bar, in terms of consistency and hard work.”
Not only is the team especially hardworking, but it is also supportive: boasting a uniquely positive environment.
“A unique thing about this team is that the guys are cheering for the girls,” Wade said, “It’s a good culture.”
It takes a lot for this year’s team to stand out this much, as TWHS has a long history of success.
“Every year I’ve been here — and this is my ninth year here — we’ve been to state,” Wade added.
TWHS first participated in the State UIL Swimming and Diving Competition in 1989. Since then, they have competed at state every single year. The competition consists of a combination of individual and relay events. Each individual win scores points for the team, and the relay events are worth double the points. The girls and the boys compete for a separate title.
“It’s a lot like track and field in that way.” Wade said.
The team is competing in all six relay events this year. This year, the girls are represented in all 12 events, while the boys are represented in fewer. The boys are set to compete in the 200-yard Individual Medley, the 50-yard Freestyle, the 100-yard Butterfly, and dive. Two boys are also competing in the 100-yard Backstroke, and one is competing in the 100-yard Breaststroke as well.
For Wade, the focus of this trip is all focused on one thing: “getting that team title.”
