By EDWARD SEVERN, Staff Writer
HARLINGEN — The Harlingen South Hawks will be sending three swimmers to the UIL state swimming & diving meet Friday and Saturday.
“All of my kids have worked really hard,” Hawks coach Hector Castaneda Jr. said. “If you look at the times at the beginning of the year to the end of the year, everyone has dropped a significant amount of time.”
Sophomore Mia Gonzalez qualified for state by finishing second in the 50-yard freestyle.
“I know it is going to be challenging,” Gonzalez said. “But I am going to be able to push myself when I swim against all of those amazing girls. I have worked really hard with help of my teammates and coaches, and I am excited to see what happens.”
Junior Frank Pimental will be competing in the 100 backstroke.
“It is an interesting experience because most people are not aware of what it takes,” he said. “Especially, here compared to other parts of Texas. It is going to be a fun experience. We have a cool coach who will make it interesting.”
Pimental will be joined by freshman Isaac Oviedo. The freshman qualified with a second-place 500 freestyle finish.
“Now I have to make it every year,” Oviedo said. “It was a good season. I put in a lot of hard work because I love what I do. I love it.”
There is pressure on the young swimmers to succeed, but their youth allows some leeway on expectations. Gonzalez admitted that it is a little nerve-wracking competing against older girls that are faster, but said she can handle the pressure.
“It still has not sunk in yet,” Oviedo said. “I am glad that I did. If I did not, all of the hours of practice would have been for nothing.”
Oviedo, Gonzalez and Pimental all want to achieve personal best times and break school records in Austin.
“I got to compete as best as I can,” Pimental said. “I am pretty sure most people are freaking out, but I am just glad I made it.”