Young Leopards Rise to the Challenge at Swim Opener

A very young La Grange Leopard Swim Team rose to the challenge and shined brightly at their first meet of the season. The Leopards entered the year with determination and heart, despite being in a rebuilding phase after graduating a large group of senior athletes last season.

The Leopards swim team competed at the Belton ISD Invitational, where 24 teams were in attendance — only four of which were 4A programs. The La Grange girls placed 12th overall and were the highest-placing 4A girls team, while the boys also placed 12th, finishing as the second-highest 4A team at the meet.

La Grange swimmers turned in several standout performances throughout the day.

The Girls 200-yard Medley Relay A team of Makenna Emmel, Adysen Janacek, Lyria Hartley, and Paige Michalke placed 8th with a time of 2:15.94.

The Girls Medley Relay B team of Hadley Deters, Gracie Taylor, Elena Supak, and Gracelynn Busha finished 18th with a 2:36.69.

The Boys 200-yard Medley Relay of Rogan Mihatsch, Gavin Cook, Van Huette, and Caleb Knapik placed 12th at 2:02.45.

In individual events, Adysen Janacek earned 12th place in the Girls 200 Freestyle with a 2:24.14.

In the Girls 50 Freestyle, Paige Michalke took 24th (30.47), Makenna Emmel 28th (30.61), and Gracie Taylor 38th (31.65).

In the Girls 100 Freestyle, Elena Supak finished 31st (1:13.17) and Gracelynn Buscha 59th (1:24.66).

The Girls 200 Freestyle Relay -Paige Michalke, Gracie Taylor, Lyria Hartley, and Adysen Janacek earned an impressive 8th-place finish with a 2:00.18.

The Boys 200 Freestyle Relay Gavin Cook, Caleb Knapik, Rogan Mihatsch, and Van Huette placed 11th with a 1:47.13.

Van Huette also placed 22nd in the Boys 100 Backstroke with a 1:14.62.

In the Girls 100 Breaststroke, Gracie Taylor finished 20th (1:31.52), Elena Supak 27th (1:36.21), and Gracelynn Buscha 44th (1:57.52).

For the boys, Gavin Cook placed 10th (1:12.70) and Rogan Mihatsch 20th (1:19.00) in the 100 Breaststroke.

To close the meet, the Boys 400 Freestyle Relay Rogan Mihatsch, Caleb Knapik, Van Huette, and Gavin Cook finished 7th with a time of 4:16.49.

With a smaller roster this year, the team’s focus has shifted toward growth, grit, and teamwork. Still, the Leopards are setting big goals — aiming to continue the program’s legacy of excellence and make their way back to the state swim meet.

Head Coach Gretchen Ledwik praised the swimmers’ energy and commitment, noting that the meet showcased strong efforts, fast times, and promising potential across every event. “This team may be young,” Coach Ledwik said, “but they’re fearless in the water and hungry to improve.”

As the season progresses, the Leopards look forward to building on their early success and showing that hard work and heart can keep the purple and gold tradition strong.

Up next, the Leopards head to Brenham on Oct. 21.