La Grange High School Swimmers Make Waves at El Campo Invitational

The La Grange High School Swim Team competed in the El Campo Invitational Swim Meet on December 14th, showcasing their dedication and talent against 15 other teams. The LHS girls’ team placed an impressive 2nd overall with 280 points, just 4 points shy of the top spot, while the boys secured 5th place with 169 points. Combined, the team finished 3rd overall for the meet—a remarkable achievement.

Senior Record-Breaker: Laney Herdler

Senior Laney Herdler continued her streak of dominance in the 500 freestyle—the grueling event that spans the length of five football fields. Breaking her own record for the 5th time this season, Laney shaved an incredible 4.13 seconds off her previous best, setting the new record at 7:09.06. Her hard work and determination have been an inspiration to her teammates.

Freshman Sensation: Adysen Janacek

Freshman Adysen Janacek has been a game-changer for the LHS swim team this season. She’s already helped the 200 and 400 freestyle relay teams break school records and set an individual record in the 200 freestyle. At the El Campo Invitational, she did it again—setting a new school record in the 200 Individual Medley. Adysen’s impact on the team has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Top Finishes and Personal Bests

The LHS swimmers delivered a plethora of strong performances, with numerous top-16 finishes: Girls 200 Medley Relay A: 2nd Celeine Fabre, Adysen Janacek, Hope Mihalke, Eleanor Carey Girls 200 Medley Relay B: 7th Laney Herdler, Elena Supak, Madeline Willrich, Lillian Carey Boys 200 Medley Relay: 4th Rogan Mihatsch, Gavin Cook, Hunter Sabo, John Kaspar Girls 200 Freestyle Relay A: 2nd Adysen Janacek, Celeine Fabre, Lillian Carey, Eleanor Carey Girls 200 Freestyle Relay B: 7th Madeline Willrich, Elena Supak, Charlotte Griffin, and Hope Michalke Boys 200 Freestyle Relay: 3rd John Kaspar, Rogan Mihatsch, Gavin Cook, and Hunter Sabo Girls 400 Freestyle Relay: 2nd Eleanor Carey, Madeline Willrich, Celeine Fabre, and Adysen Janacek Boys 400 Freestyle Relay: 5th John Kaspar, Rogan Mihatsch, Hunter Sabo, and Gavin Cook Individual highlights included: Haygen Mings: 11th in the 200 freestyle and 13th in breaststroke Adysen Janacek: 2nd in the 200 IM Celeine Fabre: 4th in the 50 freestyle Madeline Willrich: 11th in the 50 freestyle Lillian Carey:14th in the 50 freestyle and 13th in the backstroke Hunter Sabo: 6th in the 50 freestyle Hope Mihalke: 4th in the 100 butterfly Elena Supak: 5th in the 100 butterfly and 4th in the 100 breaststroke Eleanor Carey: 6th in the 100 freestyle John Kaspar: 6th in the 100 freestyle Laney Herdler: 7th in the 500 freestyle and 6th in the 100 backstroke Braxton Landis: 3rd in the 500 freestyle Mattie Muzny: 14th in the 100 backstroke Rogan Mihatsch: 8th in the 100 backstroke Gavin Cook: 3rd in the 100 breaststroke Two swimmers achieved personal bests: Braxton Landis: 50 freestyle (29.29) Laney Herdler: 100 backstroke (1:22.62) Coach Gretchen Ledwik praised her team’s determination: “I couldn’t be prouder of this incredible team. Each swimmer has worked tirelessly, showing dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to improving every day. Whether it’s pushing through tough sets or supporting one another on deck, they have shown what true teamwork and sportsmanship look like. Their hard work is paying off, and it’s been an honor to watch them grow both as athletes and individuals.”

Coach Ledwik also expressed immense pride in her team, not only for their achievements in the pool but for their resilience in overcoming unique challenges. “Most of the teams we compete against have access to a pool within a 25-minute drive or even practice periods during the school day,” she noted. “Our team, however, spends 2–3 days a week traveling to the Blue Bell Aquatic Center in Brenham, often spending more time on buses than in the water.”

Despite these hurdles, the LHS swimmers have remained focused on their goals, consistently excelling and earning the respect of their peers and competitors. Coach Ledwik shared that other coaches have remarked on how impressed they are with the dedication and performance of the LHS swimmers. Their determination and teamwork exemplify the spirit of perseverance and excellence, making their successes even more meaningful.

Looking Ahead

The LHS Swim Team will return to competition on January 7, 2025, in Brenham. With district championships on the horizon, the team is eager to continue improving, setting personal bests, and breaking records.