Following the Regional competition on Tuesday, Feb. 25, boys swimming and diving qualifiers began to set their sights on the biggest meet of the season: State. Held at IUPUI’s renowned natatorium with Olympic-caliber swimming and diving facilities, the boys had only three days after Regionals to prepare for their final event of the post-season.

Connor Homans (11) was a top 16 finalist; he and Joshua Barajas (11) were the only individually qualifying swimmers. Gavin Baisa (9) and Matthew Applegate (11) qualified as part of the 200-meter medley relay event, which also included Homans and Barajas. As for diving, Alexander Morgan (10) and Drake Hunt (9) represented Lake Central.

“Individually I placed ninth in the 100 [meter] freestyle and 10th in the 50 [meter] freestyle. Overall we didn’t place that well, but the teams will have to watch out next year,” Homans said.

A few of Lake Central’s competitive threats at the State level are Munster and Chesterton, but on a grander scale the biggest competition lies with Carmel High School, which now holds its 15th ndiana High School Athletic Association State Championship title.

Although the competition may be fierce, Morgan has high hopes for future seasons.

“I really didn’t [place]. I got [18th] and Drake got [24th]. Next year if I stay focused I plan to get top five. I’m not sure my partner in crime, [Hunt], will be joining me another year,” Morgan said.

Lake Central’s most recent — and only — boys swimming IHSAA State Championship win was during the 1986-87 school year, but that doesn’t stop the boys from keeping their heads up high and their goals higher.

“My motivation is my parents, coach and myself. I want to better myself and push myself to the top of the competition. I learned how intense the competition is and how hard they trained to get where they are so in order for me to place higher I’m going to have to train as hard as I can over summer and during season [next year],” Homans said.