Burkhard swims to historic medal for VHS

ALBUQIERQUE — The local contingent at the New Mexico State Swimming and Diving Championship was led by Andres Burkhard, who became the first swimmer from Valencia to earn a medal.

Burkhard, a senior, placed third Saturday in the 100 yard breaststroke.

“I was pretty excited,” Burkhard said shortly after the race Saturday at Albuquerque Academy. “I got a PR (personal record) and got third. It was nice.”

Burkhard was thankful for the support at the meet from his teammate Ava Casaus Carrasco and members of the Los Lunas and Belen teams, who all train together at the BHS Natatorium.

The top competitor for LLHS was Oen Martinez, 14th in the breaststroke.

There were several highlights for BHS swimmers, including a school record time (1:36.6) in the boys 200 freestyle relay.

The all-senior team of Cole Rodriguez, Arbin Apodaca, Nehemiah Sanchez and Diego Vigil, which also competed in the 200 yard medley relay, will leave a huge void for coach Liz Jones next season.

Albuquerque Academy won the boys title, while BHS was 23rd, VHS 24th and LLHS 29th.

Academy extended its girls record by winning the team title for the tenth straight year.