Blacksburg swim and dive: Bruins building a winning tradition
BLACKSBURG, Va. — The Blacksburg High School (BHS) swim and dive boys team recently won their fourth state championship in the last six years. In those last six years, the lowest the team has finished is runner-up. BHS was able to win by nine points, the narrowest margin of victory of their four championships.
鈥淓very boy on the team swam lifetime best times at state,” Coach Reilly said. “This was really a team effort.鈥�
In regard to the team effort, BHS showed their strength by setting four school records at state, two of them in relays. The relay team of Cameron Roy, Santi Angulo, Mason Fenn, and Samuel Reilly broke the school 200 freestyle relay record (1:27.69). Furthermore, the 400 freestyle relay of Cameron Roy, Michael Anderson, Bode Thompson, and Sam Reilly broke the school record (3:09.37). Both relays finished second place with nail-biting losses to runner-up, Jefferson Forest. Individually, BHS swimmers also excelled with setting school records in the 200 free by Cameron Roy (1:39.19) and in the 100 butterfly by Michael Anderson (49.93); both of which were good for second-place finishes.
Coach Reilly credits the success of the team to several factors. Nearly all of the swimmers who score points at the state championships swim year-round for the H2okies headed by Scott Baldwin and senior coach Lucas Bureau.
鈥淎s the high school season only runs three months, it is difficult for a swimmer to be very competitive at the state level in high school without training year round,鈥� Reilly said.
Another key to the BHS program has been the success of its divers. Ryan Hawkins heads the New River diving program. His program has trained individuals who have scored highly at the state level. This year BHS went first and second at the state tournament with Theo Villanueva winning his second state title in a row and Soren Anderson taking second place. Reilly also credits Montgomery County Schools for enabling the establishment of the middle school swim and dive program six years ago.
鈥淜ids like to be associated with their school, with the establishment of the middle school team it maintained the interest of athletes that may have otherwise switched to other sports,鈥� Reilly said.
The girls swim and dive team has been equally successful. With one state championship, three second place finishes, and two third places over the last seven years. In diving, Peyton Sigtryggsson won the state championships followed by Lindsay Santos in second. The BHS girls broke school records in the 400 freestyle relay with Ava Baldwin, Leah Santos, Jillian Wiersema, and Clara Ferreira (3:36.06). Additionally, Carolyn Linkous broke the school record in the 200 Individual Medley (2:09.02). Although it鈥檚 too early to start thinking about next season, BHS has established itself as a perennial mainstay in Virginia High School Swim and Dive.
Chris Reilly has been the coach for the last 12 years and has seen the team propel itself to be an annual powerhouse at the state tournament.
鈥淭his year鈥檚 state championship title was special. With my son, Sam, being a team captain, he really helped pull the team together which was essential as we needed every member of the team to contribute,鈥� Coach Reilly said.
Sam Reilly, graduating senior and son of Coach Reilly, had this to say, 鈥淚 would talk strategy with my dad all the time and when we got on the pool deck he was coach. This year, one of my main swimming goals was being able to win a team title. For it to pay off was truly rewarding. For our entire team, we put in numerous hours throughout the entire season and we got to see the hard work pay off. I don’t think that I would want any other way for my senior year to end. I got to have my goal of leaving on top be fulfilled, with my dad by my side.
鈥淲e have six seniors graduating this year and I am truly blessed to have been able to be part of their high school experience. Winning the championship was the icing on the cake,鈥� Sam said.
For seniors, Zach Sterk, Leighton McGee, Theo Villanueva, Bode Thompson, Ryan Zhao, and Sam Reilly, they will always be able to return to school and see the championship banner hanging in the gym and know that they came together to make it possible.
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