LHS Swim Team Battles Through First Two-Day Meet of the Season

The La Grange High School Swim Team kicked off a major milestone this weekend, competing in their first two-day meet of the season at the Northside ISD Aquatics Center in San Antonio. Unlike traditional single-day competitions, two-day meets test swimmers in every way – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Two-day meets demand a unique level of stamina and preparation. Swimmers must race multiple times across back-to-back sessions, often returning early the next morning after a late evening of competition. Maintaining speed, managing recovery, staying fueled, and keeping focus over such an extended period is no small task. For many athletes, these meets are as much about endurance and discipline as they are about speed. Despite the long hours, fast turnarounds, and the intensity of the competition, the Leopards proved their resilience—showing toughness, teamwork, and the determination that defines La Grange swimming.

The Leopards fought hard throughout the preliminary sessions, showcasing grit, depth, and speed across the roster. The team celebrated two school-record-breaking performances—Adysen Janacek shattered the La Grange record in the 200 Individual Medley, while Makenna Emmel powered to a new school record in the 100 backstroke. Both swims electrified the team and set the tone for a high-energy weekend.

In addition to record-setting moments, several Leopards delivered outstanding personal bests. One of the most impressive drops came from freshman Lyria Hartley, who earned Swimmer of the Meet honors after cutting a remarkable 2.40 seconds from her 100-yard freestyle. Her performance highlighted the team’s commitment to steady improvement and resilience in a demanding two-day format.

This year’s meet featured 386 swimmers from 28 different 4A schools across Texas, creating one of the most competitive fields the Leopards have faced so far this season. Advancing to finals required placing in the top 16 during preliminaries—a tough standard with such a large field. Despite the challenge, La Grange rose to the occasion. All three girls’ relays, two boys’ relays, and one individual swimmer, Eleanor Carey, earned spots in the championship finals, further highlighting the program’s growth and competitive edge Meet Results

Girls 200 Medley Relay

• 11th – Makenna Emmel, Adysen Janacek, Elena Supak, Eleanor Carey – 2:13.96

• 22nd – Lillian Carey, Gracie Taylor, Lyria Hartley, Gracelynn Buscha – 2:32.67 Boys 200 Medley Relay • 17th – Rogan Mihatsch, Gavin Cook, Van Huette, Caleb Knapik – 2:06.51 Boys 200 Yard Freestyle • 27th – Braxton Landis – 2:24.32

Girls 200 Individual Medley

• 19th – Adysen Janacek – 2:49.19

Girls 50 Yard Freestyle • 14th – Eleanor Carey – 28.48 • 25th – Lillian Carey – 31.61 • 65th – Gracelynn Buscha – 36.59

Boys 50 Yard Freestyle • 30th – Caleb Knapik – 27.78

Girls 100 Yard Butterfly • 30th – Elena Supak – 1:29.79

Girls 100 Yard Freestyle • 30th – Lyria Hartley –

1:10.62

• 43rd – Lillian Carey – 1:13.81

• 51st – Gracie Taylor – 1:16.93

• 70th – Gracelynn Buscha – 1:25.70

Boys 100 Yard Freestyle • 24th – Van Huette – 1:02.70

• 26th – Rogan Mihatsch – 1:03.27

• 37th – Caleb Knapik – 1:06.78

Girls 200 Freestyle Relay • 11th – Adysen Janacek, Lillian Carey, Lyria Hartley, Eleanor Carey – 1:58.41

• 19th – Gracie Taylor, Gracelynn Buscha, Elena Supak, Makenna Emmel – 2:10.04 Boys 200 Freestyle Relay • 9th – Gavin Cook, Rogan Mihatsch, Van Huette, Caleb Knapik – 1:47.71 Girls 100 Yard Backstroke

• 25th – Makenna Emmel – 1:16.93

• 30th – Lyria Hartley – 1:22.41

Boys 100 Yard Backstroke

• 28th – Braxton Landis – 1:15.54

Girls 100 Yard Breaststroke

• 27th – Gracie Taylor – 1:31.62

Boys 100 Yard Breaststroke

• 18th – Gavin Cook – 1:14.27

Girls 400 Yard Freestyle Relay

• 12th – Eleanor Carey, Elena Supak, Makenna Emmel, Adysen Janacek – 4:32.94 Boys 400 Yard Freestyle Relay

• 12th – Van Huette, Rogan Mihatsch, Braxton Landis, Gavin Cook – 4:04.62 Coach Gretchen Ledwik praised the team’s performance, noting both the recordbreaking swims and the relay breakthroughs. “I am proud of the girls for breaking school records — that was the momentum we needed for sure. However, I am most proud of the boys’ 400 freestyle relay dropping an amazing seven seconds. Van, Rogan, Braxton, and Gavin gave it their all, and it was an impressive swim.” she said.

The momentum from San Antonio will carry forward as the top 11 La Grange swimmers advance to Fort Worth, where they will compete in another challenging two-day meet from December 4–6.

The Leopards will once again face a demanding schedule, but the team’s strong performances this weekend have set them up with confidence and determination heading into their next test.