On Feb. 9, 2023, the Decatur High School (DHS) varsity swim team competed in the 5AAAAA State Championship. DHS swimmers broke numerous records for DHS and the state as a whole. For the first time in five years, DHS swimmer and sophomore Isaiah Lewis won first place and became the state champion.
Five DHS school records were set at this year’s state: four for boys and one for girls. On both the boys’ and girls’ side, all DHS records from this meet were in the freestyle swim stroke. Most notably, Lewis helped create three new DHS school records at state.
Lewis set records in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle and 200 freestyle relays. While it is not entirely uncommon for a swimmer to break multiple records in a meet, Lewis is ahead of the game as a sophomore. DHS IB biology teacher and DHS swim coach Kim Buckley said, “It is a testament to his work ethic and skill that he broke 2 records as a sophomore.”
As for the season, many records were set throughout the four months of meets. Additionally, with a large team (55-60 kids), Buckley notes substantial talent within this group. This reigned true as DHS garnered 16 qualifications for the state meet held in February.
While the team’s success may be in part of their skill, their environment also helps. Consistent cheers can be heard from all DHS swimmers during meets. “ We can always count on the swimmers to have great team spirit and sportsmanship,” Buckley said.
