After a fourth-place finish at Districts on Feb. 7-8 at Central Washington University, the boys swim team advanced its 200-yard medley relay made up of sophomore Jared Vargas, sophomore Austin Boese, senior Garrett Christensen and senior Tommy Higley  to State in Federal Way.

Prior to the District meet, Vargas was the only swimmer qualified for State, according to Coach James Elwyn. Vargas had gone to State before, and this year qualified in the 200 individual medley and the 100 breaststroke. Vargas was optimistic about others qualifying.

“We might qualify for a relay, our 200 medley relay has the best chance of qualifying,” said Vargas. “Austin Boese also has a pretty good chance [in the 100 breast].” Vargas’ goal for Districts was to break the school records in his events, which he did acheive, along with breaking district records as well in the 200 IM and the 100 breast. Vargas also received the 4A Swimmer of the Meet award.

The boys swim team crushed Eisenhower 135-45, Davis 125-55, and Sunnyside 139-28 at home on Jan. 28, wrapping up the regular season. Boese won the 200 IM and the 100 breast, Vargas won the 50 freestyle and the 100 butterfly, freshman Marco Thody won the one-meter dive, and junior Justin Pringle won the 500 freestyle.

The Panthers took on Eastmont at home on Jan. 23, winning 109–77. Standout athletes included Vargas winning the 200 freestyle and the 100 butterfly, Higley winning the 100 freestyle and the 100 backstroke, and Boese winning the 100 breast.