Boys’ Swimming: Wilson Defends League Title in House Pool, Poly’s Lucas Jue Breaks Records – The562.org

The562’s protection of aquatic sports activities in Long Beach in 2025-26 is sponsored by Watersafe Swim School

Much has modified within the final 70 years, however one factor that’s endured is Wilson High School’s legacy in aquatics. The boys’ swim program has been one of the dominant in California historical past, and for the primary time in a number of generations, the Bruins obtained to host the Moore League finals on campus.

The Bruins didn’t squander the chance to defend their crown and defend their residence pool, profitable seven of the 11 occasions on Thursday night to convey residence the Moore League title for the third yr in a row.

“All aquatics coaches know, a pool has an energy to it, and with the new pool you sort of have a fresh take at what energy you put into it,” stated Wilson head coach Brandon D’Sa after his group’s victory. “It was something that we talked about every day, that we need to be putting in that type of energy into our home pool … And it shows up at the end of the year. I’m just so proud of these guys, they swam incredibly well.”

The Bruins secured 752.5 factors to assert first place, adopted by Long Beach Poly with 635.5 in second. Millikan was in third, adopted by Lakewood, Jordan, and Cabrillo.

While Wilson dominated the group competitors, the standout of the day was a Jackrabbit as senior Lucas Jue added to his legacy with a pair record-setting performances for Poly. The Louisville-bound Jue gained a pair of particular person golds, taking first within the 200 Individual Medley and the five hundred Freestyle, setting meet data in each races, receiving a well-earned ovation from the group.

“I’m so happy with how I swam,” stated Jue of his final league finals meet. “Obviously, it’s sad being my last season, but I love all these guys. I love all these coaches. It’s just a great place to be surrounded by for my last season. So I’m happy.”

Jue broke Wilson alum Hank Rivers’ meet report by a half-second, swimming a 1:48.50 within the 200 IM, however he actually attacked the report books within the 500 Freestyle. Jue posted a time of 4:21.83 to interrupt a 51-year-old meet report, set by Wilson legend and Olympian Tim Shaw. That time additionally broke Millikan alum Isaac Howell’s league report of 4:22.63 set in 2008.

“It just feels so good,” stated Jue of profitable that 500 Free in report time. “I’ve been eyeing that record since freshman year. That’s kind of been my event, I’m a little more of a distance guy, it’s more what I swim. So I’ve just been eyeing it forever, and it just feels so good to finally get it.”

Jue now holds three all-time Moore League data: two as a person within the 200 and 500 Free and one as a part of Poly’s 200 Medley Relay squad in 2023. He additionally holds 4 particular person meet data at league finals (200 Free, 200 IM, 500 Free, and 100 Back) that means he at present holds half of the Moore League’s meet data within the eight particular person occasions.

Wilson was in a position to counter that star energy with spectacular depth, and had a two-time particular person winner of their very own in sophomore Aidan Conrey, who took gold in consecutive races, swimming a 21.78 within the 50 Free after which 53.48 within the 100 Fly. Conrey debuted at league finals final season as a ninth grader, and even shared gold with teammate Kai Bramble within the 50 Free. He stated that have helped put together him to shine in his second go-round.

“I kind of learned just to not be scared of anybody, just to be myself,” Conrey stated. “I’ve been training for this for like half of my life, so it was a great feeling to be able to win it this year instead of just tying it with Kai. But I love Kai to death … Getting that step up to double golds, it just feels amazing for me. It feels like I really achieved something.”

Conrey was additionally on a pair of profitable relays (200 Free and 400 Free), together with junior Fernando Rejon and seniors Keegan Abing and Kai Bramble. Both seniors mentioned the significance of profitable on the new facility and likewise showcasing the depth that makes Wilson such a perennial powerhouse within the water.

“Hats off to Lucas, he’s a great swimmer. But I think we had four guys go under 50 in the 100 Freestyle, all 48s, that’s all consideration times for CIF,” stated Abing of his group’s efficiency. “I think having that depth just speaks to our character and our culture here, and that’s what we strive for.”

Bramble acknowledged how candy the victories really feel for Wilson after their historic league title streak was snapped in 2023. This senior class noticed that occur as freshmen, however have made positive to take the celebratory plunge yearly since–and this time, it was on their residence campus.

“First one in the new pool is just amazing,” Bramble stated. “Got to set the tone right for the younger classes and everybody else, you know, make this pool ours. So that’s kind of what we were keen to do … Especially jumping in after losing three years ago. That’s still fresh in our minds, so let’s always cherish it. It’s nice.”

Later within the meet, a pair of freshmen showcased the way forward for the league as Poly’s Elijah Livingood gained the 100 Breaststroke and Wilson’s Shane Radaich gained the 100 Backstroke. 

Given that three of the Bruins’ 5 particular person golds went to underclassmen, D’Sa is optimistic about the way forward for this system as they give the impression of being to hold on Wilson’s peerless custom.

“it’s not easy, especially for these young guys to come in here 14-15 years old against young men, basically, and try to be competitive with them,” stated D’Sa. “The culture of this program is just really strong because of the senior class that is leaving it behind. And we just hope that these younger guys can continue on that tradition and culture.”

The Moore League’s swim packages shall be again at Wilson High on Friday for the women’ swimming league finals, beginning at 4 p.m.

Boys’ Varsity Results:

200 Medley Relay: LB Poly (Jue, Parramore-Dawson, Churchill, Gomez) – 1:38.31

200 Free: Keegan Abing, Wilson – 1:42.61

200 IM: Lucas Jue, LB Poly – 1:48.50 (Meet Record)

50 Free: Aidan Conrey, Wilson – 21.78

100 Butterfly: Aidan Conrey, Wilson – 53.48

100 Free: Kai Bramble, Wilson – 47.72

500 Free: Lucas Jue, LB Poly – 4:21.83 (Meet & League Record)

200 Free Relay: Wilson (Abing, Rejon, Conrey, Bramble) – 1:26.62

100 Backstroke: Shane Radaich, Wilson – 54.34

100 Breaststroke: Elijah Livingood, LB Poly – 1:01.76

400 Free Relay: Wilson (Abing, Rejon, Conrey, Bramble) – 3:11.47