Unforgettable Triumphs: Central Texas Dominates State Swim and Dive
Central Texas Stars Shine at State Championships
Central Texas athletes made a significant impact at the recent UIL state swimming and diving championships in Austin. Notable performances came from Bowie's Rowan Cox and LASA's Elizabeth Bircher, who together collected numerous gold, silver, and bronze medals. Anderson High School's senior, Ben Jaggers, an Arizona State signee, was particularly impressive, matching Cox with two gold medals.
Honoring the Best: The All-Central Texas Team
The American-Statesman's high school sports team proudly selected the 2026 All-Central Texas Swimming and Diving Team, which comprises 12 outstanding athletes from eight different schools in the Austin area. Anderson High School led the recognition with three individual honorees, underscoring its strong presence in the region's aquatic sports scene.
Rowan Cox: Boys Swimmer of the Year
Rowan Cox, a senior from Bowie High School, was a dominant force in the Class 6A division of the UIL state meet. He concluded his high school career by setting a new state record in the 100-yard backstroke with an impressive time of 46.27 seconds. Cox also secured another gold medal in the 100 butterfly, finishing nearly three seconds ahead of his closest competitor, showcasing his superior skill and speed.
Elizabeth Bircher: Girls Diver of the Year
LASA senior Elizabeth Bircher displayed exceptional talent in the Class 5A 1-meter diving event, where she achieved a commanding victory. Her final score of 456.10 points was nearly 30 points higher than the state silver medalist, demonstrating her mastery and precision in the sport. This win was particularly significant as it marked her first state medal after three years of competition.
Outstanding Male Athletes on the All-Central Texas Team
The All-Central Texas boys' team included several remarkable athletes. Maddox Azuma-Hall from Georgetown contributed to his team's bronze medal in the 200 relay and secured a fifth-place finish in the 100 freestyle. Rowan Cox, committed to the University of Texas, concluded his high school career with multiple state gold and silver medals. Brandon Farrens of Anderson excelled in the 100 fly and 50 fly, and helped his relay team to a gold. Ben Jaggers, also from Anderson, clinched a gold in the 200 backstroke and a bronze in the 50 free. Freshman Larson McKeon from Lake Travis placed fifth in 1-meter diving, while senior Justin Shi of LASA earned a bronze in the 100 backstroke.
Exceptional Female Athletes on the All-Central Texas Team
The All-Central Texas girls' team celebrated equally impressive achievements. Abbey Amato of Anderson earned a bronze medal in the 100 breaststroke, building on her previous state performance. Elizabeth Bircher of LASA, now committed to Duke, achieved a long-awaited gold in diving. Brooke Frushour, a junior from Leander, successfully defended her state title in the Class 5A backstroke and added a bronze in the 100 butterfly. Freshman Charissa Higgs from LASA made a strong debut, securing a silver in the 100 freestyle and a bronze in the 200 free. Senior Eve Schrader of Gateway Prep earned a silver medal in Class 4A 1-meter diving, and Alex Orris from Vandegrift anchored her team to a silver in the 400 freestyle relay and finished fifth in the 100 freestyle.