The bell rings out across the entire natatorium as Wyatt Tulbane comes upon his final lap. In just under five minutes, Tulbane touches the wall and finishes in first place. He lets out a sigh of relief when he sees his friend, Kaden Ho, finish in a close second.

The swim season begins in the fall every year, each swimmer can break records and compete against other schools. However, in January every swimmer enters the district competition where they have the potential to compete at a state level. If a swimmer places top six in one of their events, they get to advance to regionals. From there, swimmers have the opportunity to advance to state. This year Jackson Stapleton, along with Tulbane and Ho, made it to state.

Each swimmer that qualified for state swam at least 20 hours a week. They also swam for at least five years. Their practices start at 5:30 a.m., however, as the season comes to an end, it switches to 6:15 a.m.

“This is my first time at state and I’m very nervous,” Ho said. “People may not realize it, but it is very hard to qualify for state.”  

Even though some swimmers did not qualify for state, they continue to support the team in different ways. From compliments to pats on the backs, each athlete tries to support the three state qualifiers. 

“I have been swimming with Kaden and Jackson all of high school they’re my brothers,” Tulbane said. “Without them, swimming in high school would be tough.”

The State Competition will occur on Feb 18th, at the UT Austin Lee & Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center. Tulbane and Ho will swim the 500 Freestyle, while Stapleton will compete in the 200 Individual Medley. 

“Going to state was one of the goals I had been dreaming about since freshman year,” Stapleton said. “It holds a special place in my heart.”