HARLINGEN — Following a host of outstanding performances at the regional meet a couple of weeks ago, the University Interscholastic League State swimming and diving meet will have four fresh faces eager to compete this weekend in Austin.
Freshman Camille Lizada, Junior Lola Garza, freshman Justin Diaz and sophomore Jason Luckey will represent Harlingen South, while sophomore Amber Warner will represent Harlingen High.
Lizada, who broke four records this season, will compete in the 100 butterfly at state. She broke the 100 fly record at regionals with a time of 1:01.45. Throughout the season, she also broke school records for the 500 freestyle with a time of 5:32.57, the 100 backstroke with a time of 1:06.24 and the 200 individual medley with a time of 2:25.14.
“Making state shows to me, and to everybody that has supported me throughout my career, that all the hard work I’ve put in is paying off and worth it in the end,” she said. “All those early morning workouts and all the late night studying is worth it.”
Another strong swimmer to lead the South contingency is Lola Garza, who will compete in the 100 breaststroke. She actually broke the 100 breast record at regionals with a time of 1:12.65.
Despite waiting a while to qualify for the state meet, the junior is exited for the prospects of facing the state’s best.
“I’ve wanted to go to state since I was a freshman so this is really important to me,” said Garza. “I just feel really happy that now I can go to the meet and go up against some of the best swimmers in the state.
“It is a lot of pressure but I feel that I’m going to try really hard to take whatever happens positive, but I’m just really happy that I have made it this far.”
Also headed to state from Harlingen South is Justin Diaz, who broke the regional 200 individual medley record with a time of 2:02.21 as well as the 500 free (5:05.65) and 100 back (57.12) school records this year.
The final competitor to represent South in Austin this weekend is sophomore diver Jason Luckey, who takes the distinction of being the first diver in Harlingen South history to head to state. He accomplished that feat by breaking the regional record with 319.65 points.
“It’s kind of a lot of pressure knowing that I’ll be the first, but it’s a big honor to be the first diver to represent my school at state,” he said.
The last time Harlingen South had anyone compete at the state swim meet was 2011.
“Honestly, while these individuals made it to state, I feel that the entire team is special,” said Harlingen South coach Hector Castaneda. “Something I preached all year long was that they had to believe in themselves and work hard all year to have good things happen. We just have to finish the race strong.”
Meanwhile, Harlingen High wasn’t left out of the state competition as sophomore Amber Warner heads to Austin knowing that she is the first diver from HHS since 2009 to make the prestigious pilgrimage.
“It feels great and it’s an honor to go,” she said. “I just like going out there and having fun with the team, and I’m thankful for the great support from my teammates and Coach Yvonne (Moran), who is the best coach.”
Warner broke the diving record at regionals with 337.60 points.
IF YOU GO
UIL state swimming & diving meet
-When: Friday-Saturday
-Where: Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swim Center at The University of Texas at Austin, 1900 Red River Street
-Time: 6A prelims begin at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday; 6A finals begin at 3:30 p.m. Saturday
