Travis Zetka ‘18 participated in two new St. Thomas records, captured two fourth-place finishes and played a key role in two top-three relay results to lead Eagle Swimming to fourth place at the TAPPS Division I swimming championships at Josh Davis Natatorium in San Antonio.

The fifth top-four finish at TAPPS State in the last eight years maintains the program’s surging momentum under the direction of head coach Bob Perkins.

“All the pieces had to come together,” Perkins said.  “Our relays had to perform, individuals had to move up from their spots.  I’m especially proud of this group given all the talent and points that we had to replace from last season.  The state championships are more and more competitive every year.  Only three of our nine state swimmers are involved in club programs.  But our guys know the swim board (with school records) and they had the right focus throughout the season.”

Zetka established a new STH standard in the 50 yard freestyle (22.34) and was clocked at 49.50 in the 100 freestyle.

“Travis is realizing just how much potential he has,” Perkins said.  “There’s every reason to expect him to take down a few more records with still his senior season to go.”

Zetka teamed with Shane Williams ‘19, Luke Pelletier ‘17 and John Miggins ‘17 for the most thrilling Eagle performance of the meet, breaking the STH mark to earn second in the 200 medley relay (1:39.34), edging out Tomball Concordia Lutheran and only .27 behind the winning time.

“Phenomenal race,” Perkins said.  “That really set the tone for us throughout the day.”  

Zetka, Pelletier, Williams and Jonathan Du ‘17 took third in the 200 freestyle relay (1:30.95).

Pelletier also produced a fourth in the 100 breaststroke with a personal best 1:02.96 while Miggins contributed two fifth-place finishes, in the 100 butterfly (54.47) and 100 backstroke (57.85).

“Our seniors always are instrumental in keeping our culture intact ,” Perkins said.  “Du earned his way to his first state meet and was such a versatile swimmer.  Pelletier, Miggins and Adam Lawrence were great leaders as captains all season.”

Eagle Fight Never Dies!