The Luna swimmers ended their season competing at the state championships.

LAHAINA – It was another solid season for the Lahainaluna High School swim team, as the 2020 Hawaii High School Athletic Association concluded its season with the state championship meet at Kihei Aquatic Center last week.

Guided by veteran mentors Tom Popdan and Jen Wiseman, the Luna boys and girls swam to personal bests in setting Maui Interscholastic League records and contributing to team placing at the state competition. The girls team finished the MIL season in fifth place and tenth at the HHSAA meet, while the boys took third and 16th, respectively.

Senior Lexi Anderson led the charge for the Lady Lunas with silver medals in the 100 Butterfly and 100 Backstroke, achieving personal bests in both events to set Maui County standards.

Anderson was joined by classmates Hailey Bogar, Ryli Cherry and Rebecca Segura; junior Mahina Mirkovich; sophomores Tepua Ho and Mei Welch Bernasek; and first-year swimmers Yuna Lee and Delaney McLaughlin in taking the team to their season best finishes.

The Lahainaluna boys were paced by senior Koa Arnold; juniors Kendall Beam and Jaden Yip; and freshman Maison Alexander, who combined to set MIL records in both the 200 Freestyle Relay and the 400 Free Relay. The team roster included junior Jorden Beam and sophomores Maxx Cherry, Kai Claydon, Ryunosuke Hattori, and Colon West.

“This is an awesome group,” beamed Coach Tom last week from the Lahaina Aquatic Center pool deck.

“They all showed a lot of improvement throughout the season and in their ability to qualify for states. I am really impressed with their effort along with the continuing support the team gets from the parents.”

Among others, that support group is led by Bob Anderson, Lucille Yip, Dave Wintermeyer and Rhondalyn and Steve Franz. Coach Tom also praised the staff at the Lahaina Aquatic Center for keeping the facility in top shape as a great training facility.