Friendswood eyeing multiple state medals nextweek in Austin

Last season Friendswood was happy to win one regional team swimming championship in its debut in the state’s highest classification.

This year the Mustangs wanted them all. That’s exactly what they got.

Friendswood swept the boys and girls team titles at the Region 6-6A championship meet in Pearland, giving it three out of four regional titles in its first two years as one of the state’s top dogs.

The 6A competition runs Feb. 19-20 at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swim Center.

The girls team scored 316 points, which was comfortably ahead of runnerup Clements’ total of 294.5. Pearland finished third with 224 and Dawson fifth with 175.

The Friendswood boys won by a bigger margin, defeating runner-up Clear Falls 311-275. Dawson finished fifth.

Friendswood had three combined relays automatically qualify for the state meet by winning regional titles. Five swimmers qualified for state individually, including Mark Theall and Katie Kosinski, who won two titles apiece. Michael Claunch, James Tomerlin and Sydney Gurry also are headed to state in individual events.

The Mustangs punched tickets in the girls medley and 200 freestyle relays and in the boys medley relay.

Both girls relays were comprised of the domi- nant quartet that has led the Lady Mustangs over the last two years. They are Koskinski, Gurry, Sadie Wilson and Gina Fossati.