The Wilsonville Wildcats swim team traveled to Tualatin Hills Aquatic Center over the last weekend, to compete at the OSAA state championships. Multiple talented athletes from Wilsonville, and many other schools from all over the state participated and made their mark. 

The boys relay team qualified for two of their relay races. The 200 medley relay, and the 200 freestyle relay. This team consists of juniors and seniors: Max Buchwald, Gabriel Melo, George Heilig, and Steve Khamvongsa. They competed in the 200 IM first, and had a great performance. The boys took fourth place at state. Soon after they competed in their second event, the 200 freestyle relay. They also ended up taking fourth place. Congratulations to our boys relay team on their huge accomplishments this season!

Helena Jones, a senior, also competed at the State Championships in two events; the 200 freestyle, and the 100 freestyle. Jones took home first place for both events, and broke the OSAA record for both of her events of the 100 and 200. Helena Jones also was able to keep her 5A OSAA record for the 100 freestyle. Overall a very successful day for the Georgia commit Helena Jones. 

One member of the boys relay team also qualified for his own solo events. Junior Steve Khamvongsa qualified for all of his events. Although Steve was not able to make finals for his 100 freestyle event, he managed to break the Wilsonville High School record again, as he had already beaten it earlier in the season. Steve Khamvongsa states that, “My goal was to get as many personal bests and I think I did a good job at doing that,” Steve Khamvongsa, along with Helena Jones were named, Swimmer of the Year for the Northwest Oregon Conference. 

State is a very large event for these swimmers, as it’s the final meet that they have been working to strive for the entire season. Senior George Heilig, a member of the boys relay team expressed, “The atmosphere at State was very competitive. Every school was very energetic and ready to race but also shared anxieties.” Steve Khamvongsa also shared his experiences of state. “State is always an amazing experience. It’s so cool to be in the same building with the best swimmers in the state. I met some really cool people and made lifelong friends. I have such a huge admiration and respect for all state competitors!” 

Overall Wilsonville took fifth place at the OSAA State Championships. Congratulations to the Wilsonville Swim team on all of their accomplishments throughout the season!