The Elkins High School girls swim team is gearing up for an intense two-day competition at the Mylan Park Aquatic Center in Morgantown, aiming to retain their state championship title. Having achieved significant victories last year, including both the Big 10 Conference and regional titles, the Lady Tigers are among the top contenders this time around. The team boasts impressive relay units and individual swimmers who have set some of the fastest seed times for the meet. Swimmers like Lilly Irons, Emma Ujvagi, and Aleah Irons lead the charge, with several others also qualifying for various events.

Beyond Elkins, other schools such as Buckhannon-Upshur and Philip Barbour will also be sending their best teams to compete. Notable athletes from these schools include Aubrey Shay, Mallory Hughes, and MacKenna Halfin, each bringing their own strengths to the pool. The competition will kick off on Thursday morning with preliminary rounds, followed by finals later in the day. Friday will see more preliminaries and finals, ensuring a thrilling conclusion to the event.

Elkins' Dominance in Relay Events

The Elkins High School girls swim team has established itself as a formidable force in relay events, setting the stage for another successful state championship defense. This year, the team's relay squads have secured the fastest seed times in multiple categories, showcasing their readiness to dominate the competition. The 200-medley, 200 freestyle, and 400 freestyle relays are particularly strong, with swimmers from different grades contributing to the team's overall strength.

In the 200-medley relay, freshman Aleah Irons, junior Emma Ujvagi, and sophomores Lilly Irons and Lilly Anger form a powerful quartet. For the 200 freestyle relay, Ujvagi, sophomore Leah Ours, Aleah Irons, and Anger bring their combined speed and endurance. Lastly, the 400 freestyle relay team, comprising Lilly Irons, sophomore Sophia Rhodes, Ours, and Anger, has the fastest seed time in this event. These relay teams exemplify the depth and versatility of the Elkins squad, positioning them as strong contenders for multiple gold medals.

Individual Stars Shine Bright

Beyond their relay prowess, the Elkins High School girls swim team features several standout individual performers who are poised to make waves in their respective events. Swimmers like Lilly Irons, Emma Ujvagi, and Aleah Irons have not only contributed to the relay successes but also hold top seed positions in individual races. Their performances promise to be highlights of the competition.

Lilly Irons leads the pack with the top seed in the 100 freestyle and a fifth-place seed in the 200 freestyle. Emma Ujvagi excels in the 200 IM and 100 breaststroke, while Aleah Irons shines in the 100 butterfly. Other notable qualifiers include Leah Ours, Sophia Rhodes, Raighan Carte Hall, and Aleah Irons in additional events. Each swimmer brings unique skills and determination to the pool, ensuring that Elkins remains a powerhouse in both relay and individual competitions. As the preliminaries begin on Thursday, all eyes will be on these talented athletes as they vie for top honors.