Tanque Verde High School

The Tanque Verde High School boys swim team made waves at the Division III Arizona State Championships last weekend, dominating the competition to capture the overall team title with an impressive 257 points — well ahead of runner-up Pusch Ridge’s 163. The Hawks shined in the pool, winning the 200 Free Relay in 1:31.81 with standout swims from Jackson Eftekhar, Grayson The, Wade Olsson, and Zachary Duerkop, and securing five additional podium finishes. Wade Olsson placed 2nd in the 200 IM (1:57.78) and 3rd in the 100 Breast (1:00.82), while Duerkop took 2nd in the 100 Fly (52.48) and Kent Olsson finished 4th in the 500 Free (5:07.85). The 200 Medley Relay team of Kent Olsson, Wade Olsson, Eftekhar, and The placed 4th (1:42.70), and the 400 Free Relay team of Eftekhar, The, Jackson Machamer, and Duerkop added a 5th-place finish (3:25.97). Head coach Porter Olstad praised the team’s unity and determination: “From top to bottom our boys took the challenge head on to bring home a state championship. Every single one of them performed at least one personal best. It’s been a privilege to coach such an incredible group of young men.”