State Qualifier

On Feb. 2, varsity swimmer Scott McNiece became the first-ever Klein Cain student to qualify twice for state in the University Interscholastic League (U.I.L.) McNeice qualified in the 100-yard butterfly. After months and months of preparation, McNiece won fourth place while at regionals with a personal record time of 50.94 seconds, earning him a spot as a state qualifier.

Tough to accomplish? Absolutely. Worth the effort? Without a doubt.

“I was really excited [when I won] and gave everybody high-fives,” McNiece said.

Coming into the competition, McNiece was unsure of what to expect. Alongside him during the competition were his enthusiastic teammates who encouraged him throughout the period. Those such as Drake Wells, a sophomore varsity swimmer, and Ryan Ber, another sophomore varsity swimmer, were fervent supporters of him.

“I wasn’t surprised [that he won],” Wells said. “He won last year too.”

Two Years, Two Titles

Last year, McNiece qualified for the same event which at that time made him the first-ever Klein Cain State-Qualifier. This year, he has regained the same title of State-Qualifier after making it to state for the second time in a row.

Swimming is an activity McNiece particularly excels at and one that he loves. Nearly every morning before school, he heads to the natatorium. At the natatorium, McNiece begins polishing his strokes both before school and after school in order to get ready for the upcoming competitions.

“[For my training, I] wake up at 4:45 a.m., go from 5:30 a.m. to the first-period bell and then after-school from 3:45 p.m. to 6:15,” McNiece said. “In butterfly, I [already] went from 52 to 50.9 [seconds].”

In addition to swimming for the Klein Cain varsity swim team, he also swims for the Premier Aquatics Club of Klein (also known as P.A.C.K.). At P.A.C.K. he actively spends most of his time swimming competitively as part of the national team.

“I think I can make it to finals,” McNiece said.

For state competition, McNiece aims to make it to finals as well as improve his butterfly stroke beforehand.