Cragin named NHSCA boys "Swimmer of the Year"

Solid Gold Performance

June 22, 2009

Dr. David Davis, Reporter-News Sports
Cole Cragin flashes his gold-winning smile

   

AUSTIN — It was one of the jaw-dropping, breathtaking performances at the 2009 Class 4A UIL state swimming and diving finals at the Lee and Joe Jamail Swim Center at the University of Texas.

Friendswood senior Cole Cragin finished his high school career with a standing ovation after winning the 100 backstroke with a national-record time of 46.75. The previous mark of 46.82 was set in 1999 by Alex Lim of Jacksonville Bolles HS in Jacksonville, Florida.

Cragin also broke his own state 4A record in winning the 100 butterfly in 48.46 prior to the backstroke event.

The Texas signee has enjoyed record-setting performances throughout his career, but it was the national mark that earned him a standing ovation from the full house at the Jamail Swim Center.

“I decided I would go out and give it all I could,” Cragin said. “I was going to be happy with 47. When I saw 46, I knew it was a national record.”

"This is an experience that had to be seen," head coach John Little said with a big smile. "Cole's performance would be very difficult to describe, but it is something that all of us will never forget."

There was someone else who didn't forget Cragin's performance this year as the National High School Coaches Association named him the national boys "Swimmer of the Year" which is one of the highest honors that any high school athlete can receive.

"I don't know what could get much bigger than winning a national award like this," Cragin said. "It's pretty cool."

Because of his two record-setting performances at state -- Cragin was named the UIL Class 4A Boys "Swimmer of the Year" for the second straight year. The winsome Cragin set 4A records in both events last year as a junior and received the top swimmer award.

No Class 4A swimmer from Texas had ever set a national swimming mark prior to Cragin's phenomenal performance.

Cragin joined three other Texans who received "Player of the Year" honors including quarterback Garrett Gilbert from Lake Travis who led his team to two straight 4A football titles. The record-setting signal caller will join Cragin at the University of Texas in the fall.

There was also Reed Connor (boys cross country from The Woodlands) and Mary Beck (girls swimming from Austin Westlake).

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