The Parkway West swim program, both boys and girls, were selected for induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. West will be joining the likes of Stan Musial and Dan Dierdorf as only the fourth high school program ever selected to be in the Hall of Fame, and the first from the St. Louis area.
“I couldn’t ask for a better way to end my high school swimming career,” senior Eli Harris said.
Parkway West began their swim program in 1968 and won their first title with the Boys team in the 1974-1975 season. The girls answered right back with their first state title in 1976-1977 season, and so the dynasty began.
The Longhorns went on to dominate the competition. Since 1975, they have collected 23 state titles: the girls with 12 and the boys with 11. The swim program alone accounts for more than half of Parkway Wests state titles from all sports combined.
“It’s good to see some state wide recognition. We’ve been lucky to have so many year round swimmers in the program every year,” senior Ryan Schlueter said.
Aside from state titles, West swimmers have taken home 29 conference championships, 32 conference tournament titles and six district crowns. The Longhorns also have five second place titles and six third place state finishes.
“The induction into the Hall of Fame connects us to the alumni who helped make this program elite,” senior Hannah LePoidevin said.
The boys swim team finished seventh place in the state this season, however the girls season is just beginning.
“Being only the fourth high school to ever be in the Hall of Fame is an honor. It gives us something to prove this season,” senior Francesca Giganti said.
The induction ceremony will be held on Saturday, January 26, at the University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center in Springfield. Tickets for the Enshrinement are $150 each or $1,500 for a table of 10. Tickets are on sale thru the West High Activities office. Please contact Brian Kessler, Activities Director, at 314-415-7535 for questions or for tickets.
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