By STEFAN MODRICH | Staff Writer
LOS FRESNOS — Los Fresnos coach Jaime Perez has set a high bar for himself and his swimmers to eclipse year after year.
And yet, even after replacing talented swimmers like Sarah Villarreal and Luis Osuna who that made impressive runs to end their high school careers, it seems that stepping in and maintaining that level of performance by qualifying for the University Interscholastic League state meet is the only option.
The Region VIII-6A champion Lady Falcons have an opportunity to make a splash not only at this year’s meet in Austin, but are positioned to continue doing so for the long haul, thanks to freshmen Jada Ashford and Ariana Mancillas.
“It’s an honor to be going (to state) as a freshman,” Ashford said. “It’s another experience I’m going to have to adapt to. We have to keep our standards high.”
Traditionally, Los Fresnos has been a relay powerhouse. But it’s easy to understand why Perez refers to this year’s group as a “dream team.” After all, the Lady Falcons are sending their 200 medley, 200 freestyle and 400 freestyle relay teams to state.
Part of the secret to the program’s success has been the competitive spirit within it. No one’s spot is entirely safe, and the pipeline is stocked with swimmers eager to get their shot in a big meet.
“It goes all the way until the last meet (at the regional final),” Perez said. “As a coach, I have the opportunity to even make changes right before the race. Everybody is a freestyler, but we all have our specialties. … I take my strongest breastroker, freestyler and butterflier, and put them together based on who has the fastest times.”
Senior Emily Rodriguez intends to make her final trip to Austin a memorable one.
“Now that we’re all going to state, I feel like it’s a good opportunity for me to fully express my excitement,” Rodriguez said. “This is going to be my last race. … It’s really important for me to get the full experience.”
Ashford also qualified as an individual in the 50 freestyle and the 100 freestyle.
Anapaula Hernandez, the diver who made program history by becoming the first Lady Falcons athlete to qualify for state from the 1-meter diving platform, is set to make her state debut Friday.
“I’m really excited, and I’m really honored to compete against such great divers,” Hernandez said. “I really expect to watch them and learn from them, as much as I also want to go out there and do my best.”