The New Tech Dragons made a splash at the 2025 UIL 4A State Swimming and Diving Championships, held in San Antonio, proving their talent and determination among Texas' best. After months of intense training, dedication, and relentless effort, the Dragons earned their place on the state stage, showcasing their growth and perseverance throughout the season. With standout performances in both prelims and finals, the Dragons left their mark at the state level, demonstrating their competitive spirit and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Prelims, February 13th:
The Dragons kicked off their state meet with impressive swims in the preliminary rounds. Claire Thomas secured a spot in the B Final for the Girls’ 200-Yard Freestyle with a time of 2:07.49 and advanced to the A Final in the 500-Yard Freestyle, touching the wall at 5:44.33. Caleb Tort-Negron displayed his speed in the Boys’ 100-Yard Butterfly, earning a B Final spot with a time of 59.03. Zayne Williford also delivered a strong showing, qualifying for the A Final in the 200-Yard Freestyle with a 1:53.20 and making the B Final in the 500-Yard Freestyle with a 5:19.71.
Finals, February 14th:
The Dragons returned for finals, determined to climb the rankings and set new benchmarks. Claire Thomas closed out her high school season with a 12th-place finish in the Girls’ 200-Yard Freestyle, clocking in at 2:08.07. She also battled in the A Final of the 500-Yard Freestyle, securing an 8th-place finish with a time of 5:44.79.
Caleb Tort-Negron delivered a remarkable performance in the Boys’ 100-Yard Butterfly, dropping time from prelims to set a new team record with a 57.72, earning him a 12th-place finish.
Zayne Williford showcased his endurance and versatility in both his events. He placed 6th in the Boys’ 200-Yard Freestyle with a time of 1:51.91 and won the B Final in the 500-Yard Freestyle, taking 9th overall with a time of 5:12.77.
The 2025 UIL 4A State Championship was a testament to the Dragons’ dedication, resilience, and growth. With record-breaking performances and strong final placements, the team demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level. As the season comes to a close, the Dragons have set the bar high for future seasons and continue to build a legacy of excellence in the pool.
Congratulations to all the swimmers for their outstanding efforts and for representing New Tech with pride on the state stage!

About Belton New Tech Dragons Swim Team:
The BNT@W Dragons Swim Team is a dynamic and competitive group of student-athletes dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in the sport of swimming. Representing New Tech with pride, this team is known for their outstanding sportsmanship, teamwork, and commitment to personal growth. With the guidance of their coach and the New Tech community, they continue to make their mark in the world of competitive swimming, consistently achieving remarkable results at meets.

For more information about the New Tech Dragons Swim Team and their upcoming events, please visit the Team’s Homepage.