State qualifier, Tyler Sharp, senior, stepped up on the diving block. He’s set in position waiting for the buzzer. Beep. Every swimmer pushes their bodies off the block as hard as they can. Every minute of training throughout the season comes down to one last race for Sharp. He did not disappoint, getting seventh in the 50 free. Sharp set a new school record for 50 freestyle with a time of 21.46 seconds, earning him ninth place at state.
This was Sharp’s second appearance in state. He had expectations as a senior to set the new school record beating twice this season.
“Breaking the school record again and being able to do it at state is something I can hold with me,” Sharp said.

Matt Beasley, boys swim and dive head coach, said the seniors went out and swam some of their fastest times of their career, putting KHS in a winning position. Beasley gave a lot of credit to the first year swimmers who he had put in important races that many feel high pressure from, but he said they went out and continued to keep the team in a fighting position.
“This year we were one of the more inexperienced teams with many first year qualifiers, I felt their nerves before each race as expected,” Beasley said. “They showed up and were able to drop some time and just have a good time.”
Bealsey said how most freshmen that go to state may be overwhelmed and to perform like they had been all season. He emphasized on how KHS’s freshman went out and performed like any regular state qualifier.
“As inexperienced as we were, from the outside we didn’t look like this was our first time,” Beasley said.
Seamus Smith, freshman, was one of many members who were going to state for the first time. Smith said the swim team is going to continue to get better with all the young talent on the team.
“The freshmen that are coming up are going to be able to help us put up similar times to what we put up this season,” Smith said. “I’m excited for my next three seasons and being a part of the success of the team.”