RaiderNet


March 6, 2020

Pictured with Coach Lacey at their end-of-season banquet are the two swimmers moving on to the state competition. Tyler LaDue (left) and TJ Clayton (right) will compete Friday, March 6.

Swimmers Ready for State Competition

By Michael Janaro

The swimming season is not over just yet for sophomore Tyler LaDue and freshman TJ Clayton. Both swimmers are competing at the state competition on Friday, March 6 in Long Island.

They both made it to states by beating the time needed to qualify. For 100m breaststroke, the time to beat was 1:07:00. LaDue qualified by swimming a 1:00.74. For 100m butterfly, the time to beat was 58 seconds. Clayton's time was 53:56.

Coach Lacey said LaDue and Clayton always give it their all. He stated, "They both work really hard always trying to get better during the season and they put the time and effort in."

Clayton is excited and grateful for the opportunity he has. He stated, "I'm not nervous. I am excited and extremely thankful and grateful for my team and coaches for always believing in me. Hopefully I will achieve some of my goals."

LaDue is prepared for states and is thankful for this opportunity. He stated, "Preparation for states has been a process, from swimming in the off season, to swimming for two teams in season."

He added, "I think that those really helped both of us mentally and physically to prepare for the once in a lifetime opportunity, along with all of the support from our families and friends that have come to the meets and supported us through it all."

Best of luck to Tyler and TJ!