By STEFAN MODRICH | Staff Writer
Brownsville Veterans Memorial senior diver Nico Alvarez finished in 11th place at the University Interscholastic League state meet Saturday at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center in Austin.
“Nico did well (Saturday),” Chargers diving coach Mark Schlatter said. “He climbed two spots and finished in (third place). He was consistent, and that was the difference.”
By finishing in the top 16, Alvarez earned the designation of second-team all-state. He was originally seeded 13th. In 2019, Alvarez finished seventh at the state meet.
“I improved on my concentration a lot,” Alvarez said. “The best part of state was staying consistent on all my dives and not regretting how I did on any one of them.
“(I’m) really grateful to represent Brownsville,” Alvarez added. “I did it for the 956.”
In Class 6A, Los Fresnos freshman Jada Ashford swam in the 50-meter freestyle, where she made it to the consolation final.
Los Fresnos coach Jaime Perez said he was pleased with his team’s performance.
“For seven of our eight girls, this was their first trip to state,” Perez said. “We didn’t win but we did learn and it was a good experience for the girls. We had a successful season, and preparation for next year starts tomorrow. I am confident that we will be back next year and continue to improve one step at a time. I would like to thank my assistant coach, Ivan Hernandez, and our diving coach, Stefanie Esquibel, for all of their hard work. … Go Falcons!”
Ashford (24.26) placed 15th overall.
Despite being awestruck by the new environment at first, Ashford said she was appreciative of the opportunity to qualify for state in her first year with the Lady Falcons.
“Going into the meet it was a shock to see all the swimmers and a crowd,” Ashford said. “I was imagining it a lot different. Despite my experience, this was for sure different but I am very grateful to swim in such an amazing facility.”
The Lady Falcons’ top performer already is looking ahead to next season.
“Now that I am done, I can prepare for next year’s state (meet) by going into the meet with a more positive mindset and a higher confidence,” Ashford said. “I am definitely going back to the Valley to continue practicing and preparing for next year’s season.”