The Powell High School boys swim team recently competed in the last home meet before they head to state.
They warmed up and allied together on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, at the Powell Aquatic Center for the Triangular Invite, where the team earned a second-place ranking against Cody and Worland.
“I would say we did good as a team,” senior Trystan Preator said. “We had several new qualifiers and came 2nd, being just behind Cody in points.”
Sophomore Hunter Taylor qualified for state for the 100-meter breaststroke with a 15/17, leaving him feeling not only pleased with himself, but also with his team.
“I remember the first thing I did was I looked up, saw the scoreboard, and celebrated,” Taylor said. “I believe that me and my team all did our best, and it all paid off in the end.”
The team recognized their seniors for their hard work and dedication, giving their hometown swimmers a proper and emotional farewell.
“I would say one of my biggest accomplishments is qualifying in state every year since freshman year,” Preator said. “Swimming is a very challenging technical sport, so it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Any swimmer who can work hard enough to accomplish their goals needs some very good work ethic.”
The meet allowed the team to learn and grow in their skills and dedication they can carry beyond the pool.
“The biggest thing that the boys and girls team are struggling with is participation,” Coach Bailey Jacskon said. “Our numbers are really low, so I feel like if we get our numbers back up, we can do amazing things and be more successful.”
This event also gave the athletes something to learn from, as well as a chance to reflect on missteps to improve for future meets.
“The meet went quick, so it was hard to know when your event was coming up or knowing when it was going on,” junior Dayton Lawrence said, referring to an unintentional disqualification in one of his events. “So I think in the future, I’m going to be better at learning fast and how much attention you have to have at meets.”
The Panther swim team will be headed off to state on Feb. 20-21 in Cheyenne.
