On April 24, 2021, the Highlands High School swim and dive teams faced the challenge of the KHSAA Swimming and Diving Championships. 

Without the support of the fans, the whole thing was a very bittersweet moment for the entire team, however, they pushed through and had an amazing meet.

Senior Mac Russell won the title of state champion of the 50 freestyle for the second time, as well as winning the 100 freestyle.

“I’d say for me yesterday was cool, it just didn’t feel the same without the spectators, and the live stream not working out,” said Russell. 

The swimmers swam hard, gaining many new victories, and placing first and second in a lot of the events like the 200 boys freestyle relay and the 400 boys freestyle relay.

Mac summed up his feeling of the event in one sentence: “I think it was a nice way to finish off my senior season with the guys on the team, and we all did great.”

Not only did the swim team accomplish many things in the KHSAA State Championship, but the dive team did as well. 

Senior Lauren Groeschen dove in her final season and ended it off strong, placing ninth overall.

“I thought state went well, it was the best state meet I have ever dove in,” said Groeschen.

The Birds swam hard and dove well, even with the restraints that held onto them due to COVID-19. Now that the seniors are leaving, they only have more room for improvement to take the podium once more.