No State Experience Required: Freshmen Headline Event Winners at Texas 4A State High School Championships

By Brian Savard

AUSTIN, Texas, March 3. DALLAS Highland Park (246) and Richardson Pearce (239) captured the women's and men's titles, respectively, in the Texas Class 4A State High School Championship meet.

Allison Arnold, a Dallas Highland Park freshman, showed that age and state championship experience are irrelevant as she recorded decisive victories in the 200 freestyle (1:51.74) and the 500 freestyle (4:56.58).

Caroline McElhany of Friendswood was also a double-event-winning freshman. McElhany posted the top time in both the 200 IM (2:03.15) and the 100 butterfly (55.44).

On the men's side, Colin Nix of Frisco led the way with two individual wins, which helped Frisco vault to a third-place team finish. Nix started his meet off with a 21.30 time in the 50 freestyle, and he turned in a 58.78 effort to win the 100 breaststroke.

Clint Hallum from Mesquite Poteet bested the competition in his individual events. He claimed a state title in his 200 freestyle (1:41.18) and in his 500 freestyle (4:29.91).

Gregory Portland senior Hayley Emerick and Montgomery senior J.J. Kinzbach both took the women's and men's diving titles. Emerick won with a 372.70 score while Kinzbach dominated the men with a score of 561.00.

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use