LOS FRESNOS — The Los Fresnos Falcons have a new challenge at the Region VIII-6A meet this year, Northside ISD schools from San Antonio.
For some swimmers and divers at Los Fresnos, this could be their last hurrah. Others are ready for the experience and for the extra push.
Los Fresnos senior Jada Ashford is the only swimmer from the Rio Grande Valley that is seeded No. 1 in an event at the Region VIII-6A meet in both boys and girls. Ashford is seeded first in the 50-yard freestyle and 100 butterfly. The margins are tighter in the 100 butterfly than in the 50 freestyle for the Los Fresnos swimmer.
“It is going to be a lot tighter,” Ashford said. “I am still pretty confident in my abilities. I got to actually put my best race out there.”
Senior captain Ariana Mancillas is coming in at fourth in both of her races. Mancillas qualified for state in 2022 and is excited for the new competition in the region. The senior is hopeful to hit personal bests in both the 200 IM and 100 freestyle.
“It is elevating the standards of our region,” she said. “And the times we swim. I am really looking forward to it.”
Only the top two make it to state.
The girls team is senior-heavy, Mancillas and Ashford want to finish their high school swim careers— and for Evangeline Wrinkle her diving career — strong.
Wrinkle also swims and is in the girls 200 medley relay team that is seeded sixth. Wrinkle is also ranked sixth in diving, and is ready to go for some tough dives to break into the top three for state.
“It is my senior year, so I am just focusing on having a good meet, getting a personal record and having fun for the most part,” Wrinkle said.
The Los Fresnos boys are young but took home a District 32-6A championship this season. Making to the finals is an accomplishment at the regional meet this season. Sophomore Daniel Canales is the highest-seeded boy from Los Fresnos.
“Last year was rough,” he said. “But this year has been really good for me so far.”
Canales is seeded fifth in the 100 breaststroke and No. 10 in the 50 freestyle.
Freshman Noah Gutierrez is another youngster to keep an eye on, not just in the regional meet, but for the future. Gutierrez is seeded No. 9 in the 100 backstroke.
“I am glad that I have the opportunity to race guys that are faster, stronger and more competitive than me,” Gutierrez said.
The Region VIII-6A swimming and diving championship is being held today and Saturday at Laredo’s United ISD Aquatic Center.