The pressure was on. Highland Park–consistently the No. 1 team–had always presented stiff competition for the boys and girls swim team. During their dual meet Oct. 9 at Texarkana College’s Pinkerton Center, the swim team knew they would have their work cut out.

The girls’ team, led by Elizabeth Cook, Kristian Lewis, Mackenzie Morrow, Mary Faith Covey, and Chelsea Albright ended the eight-year reign by defeating them 167-140.

The boys also won 228-67, setting both teams up as strong candidates for a state finish.

On the boys’ side, the 100 butterfly was dominated by Matt Cox, Billie Morton and Brennan Hile, taking first, second and third.

Another win for Cox was achieved in the 200 freestyle, with Zack Derrick in second. The first three 100 freestyle spots were grabbed by Nick Sehy, Basurto-Ruiz and Zach Baker, and the 200 IM second and third spots were taken by Hall and Sehy. First and third were achieved in the 100 backstroke by Jacob Woolery and sophomore Rusty Anglin, and Derrick and Stevy Flowers took first and third in the 500 freestyle. Collin Hall demolished in the 100 breaststroke, touching in first by almost 13 seconds with Davis Payne in second. The 50 freestyle first and second spots were taken by Woolery and Basurto-Ruiz. The boys’ 400 freestyle relay of Woolery, Derrick, Sehy, and Cox, the 200 freestyle relay of Basurto-Ruiz, Sehy, Morton, and Cox, and the 200 medley relay consisting of Woolery, Hall, Morton, and Basurto-Ruiz all came in first.

Alternatively, on the girls’ side, the 50 freestyle was dominated by Kristian Lewis, Elizabeth Cook and Mary Faith Covey. Chelsea Albright received third in the 200 freestyle.