By EDWARD SEVERN, Staff Writer
HARLINGEN — East Valley swimmers and divers wrapped up their season this weekend at the UIL state meet.
Brownsville Veterans Memorial had two athletes participate in the second day of the event, senior diver Makayla Schaelchlin and junior swimmer David Perez.
Schaelchlin finished 16th in the 1-meter diving competition with a score of 281.15. Perez finished 15th in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1 minute, .17 seconds.
“I am so proud of both David and Makayla, and happy for them,” Brownsville Veterans coach Frank Sanchez said. “Makayla ended her senior year on such a high note, and David now has experience and is excited for next year.”
Los Fresnos Lady Falcons junior Jada Ashford qualified for Day 2 in the 100 butterfly. Ashford finished 15th with a time 56.60. Ashford also swam a 1:05.20 in the 100 breaststroke during the prelims.
Falcons swim coach Jaime Perez said it was a humbling experience but an honor to represent the city of Los Fresnos at state.
“Swimming and diving against the best builds tenacity,” Perez said.
Lady Falcons senior Reiana Apacible swam a 1:06.53 in the 100 backstroke. Junior Ariana Mancillas competed in two individual events. Mancillas’ time in the 100 freestyle was 57.41 and 2:21.76 in the 200 individual medley.
Senior Angela Loera joined Ashford, Mancillas and Apacible on both relays. The Lady Falcons finished the 200 medley relay in 1:57.69 and a time of 1:45.90 in the 200 freestyle relay.
Falcons senior swimmer Jayden Crews competed in the 100 butterfly and finished with a time of 53.54. Senior diver Angel Lopez scored a 188.80 in the 1-meter diving competition.
“I am extremely proud of their hard work,” Perez said. “I believe this experience will help them in their future endeavors. I will miss the seniors. They have been a blessing to the team and myself.”
Harlingen High freshman Giovanna Pierami swam a 2:09.59 in the 200 freestyle. Sophomore Elise Hernandez turned in a 6:09.77 in the 500 freestyle.
Harlingen South junior Frank Pimental finished with a 58.34 in the 100 backstroke, sophomore Mia Gonzalez swam a 26.40 in the 50 freestyle and freshman Isaac Oviedo had a 5:29.06 in the 500 freestyle.
“I am very proud of my athletes,” Hawks coach Hector Castaneda Jr. said. “I think they did an amazing job, especially considering this is their first time at state.”
Hanna seniors Ricardo Rodriguez, Lorenzo Del Bosque, Ricardo Najera and Michael Kowalski finished with a time of 1:34.94 in the 200 freestyle relay.
Junior Aaron Vela swapped with Del Bosque in the 400 freestyle relay, and the group turned in a time of 3:35.11.
Rodriguez also competed in the 50 and 100 freestyle events. He finished with a 21.88 in the 50 and 49.03 in the 100.