The Swim and Dive team measured their performance against their other district rivals on Friday, Sept. 20 in the RRISD Aquatic Center. The competition was fierce as the Warriors faced off Vandergrift, McNeil, Round Rock High School, Vista Ridge, and Cedar Ridge.
The swimming events saw the Warriors continue their winning streak. They dominated in several categories, finishing in first place in both the girls’ and boys’ 200-yard medley relay, the boys’ 100-yard backstroke, and the girls’ 50-yard freestyle. Next came the relay events, known for their high point value, which were particularly thrilling to members and coaches alike. The women’s 200-yard medley relay team, comprising NamAnh Truong ‘26, Leah Zhang ‘26, Sophia He ‘25, and Grace Xiang ‘26 left their competitors in their wake as they sliced through the water and placed first. In the men’s 200-yard freestyle relay, Kevin Qian ‘25, Max Laine ‘27, Raphael Wang ‘25, and Josh Lee ’26 additionally secured an impressive victory with a 1:36:39 time.
“I think the team culture and the cheering from my teammates helped me go a lot faster than I would’ve [if] I swam alone,” Josh Lee ‘26 said. “It pushed me to the finish mark.”
The meet tested every swimmer’s mental strength as well as physical endurance in the water. Each swimmer had to tackle at least two relays and two individual events. As the meet progressed, the Warrior’s team spirit shone through with athletes lining the pool to cheer on their teammates to the finish line.
From seasoned seniors to wide-eyed freshmen, each swimmer was mesmerized by the electric atmosphere that filled the natatorium. As it was the first competitive meet of the season, it was also an opportunity for the team to shake off any summer rust and get back into the swim-season groove to perform their best.
“The meet was really fun and it was really nice to see everyone out there after being away for so long,” Leah Zhang ‘26 said. “It was just really great to see our new teammates, the freshmen, and the underclassmen, experiencing it all. The atmosphere was so nice and energetic.”
The final results were a testament to the swim team’s hard work and team spirit over the past months. The women’s team secured third place overall with 100 points, and the men’s team claimed the top of the podium with 143 points. Combined, the Westwood team secured first place overall against their district opponents.
As the meet drew to a close, it became clear that the Warriors weren’t the only team that had come prepared. The strength of the other teams was palpable, with several nail-biting finishes and impressive performances from the Warriors’ rival schools. As the district steps up its game this year, the Warriors know they will need to maintain their momentum and improvement throughout the season to stay ahead of the pack.
The Warriors will compete next in the MavWood Swim Meet on Thursday, Oct. 3, at the RRISD Aquatic Center to continue their tradition of excellence.
