Trey Duncan ’21

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The Strake Jesuit swimming and diving team is having a fantastic start to the season this year. Swim Team Coach Tim Keogh is proud of his team’s success.

Strake Jesuit is undefeated in our four dual (one-on-one) meets, while finishing second in the Woodlands invitational to one of the top teams in state, The Woodlands.

Swim Coach Tim Keogh explained why our team is having a successful season.

“Our swimmers are open to growth, learning new techniques and not just sticking to what they’ve done before, as well as being willing to come out to practice and work hard every day,” Coach Keogh said.

Not only is the Strake Jesuit team doing very well, but some individual swimmers are making school history, one of whom is Andreas Mason ‘19. This season he has broken the school record for 100-yard butterfly twice.

“It is very exciting to break a 20 year-old record. Ever since freshman year, I told myself that I would have a Strake Jesuit record before I graduate, and I stuck to that goal. It’s exciting to know that my record could also last 20 years, hopefully more, so I need to make it nearly impossible to break again,” Andreas commented.

Andreas has set goals for the rest of the season, all of which are within reach.

“Personally, I want to break the 50-second mark in the 100 fly and make the top final at state. My last season with the team is already going very well, and it can only get better,” Andreas remarked.

Andreas is not the only swimmer coming close to breaking a school record. Strake Jesuit has swimmers coming close to breaking school records in the 200 yard medley and free relays as well as the individual 200 free.

“Nathaniel Allen and I are less than a second away from the 200 free record, and I know we can punch it through before the end of the season,” Andreas said.

Jeremy Bates ‘19 is extremely close to breaking the school record in the 100- yard breaststroke. 

Even with this successful season, there is always room for more people to come and be apart of the program.

“For all those interested in joining, the swim team is every level, from swimmers learning to swim to swimmers being recruited by colleges, and you shouldn’t be intimidated to come out. If you can make it through a high school swim season you’re in the top 1% of swimmers in the world. Don’t judge yourself based on the times of others. Just stick with it and you’ll get better,” Coach Keogh explained.

What makes a competitive swimmer successful?

“Keep showing up everyday. Some days you’ll be very sore, and you’re not going to beat your personal record every meet. Practice everyday and be persistent. Swimming is more mental than physical,” Coach Keogh responded.