| 03/02/2006 |
| Tigers' double-medalist LeNeave soars at state |
| By: Mike Jones , Sports Editor |
Conroe High School's Sean LeNeave had a state meet to remember on
Saturday in Austin, as the senior standout cruised to personal bests en
route to earning two spots on the medals stand.
"It felt really amazing," said LeNeave. I'm glad I finished out the season that way."LeNeave, who had the low time in Friday's 200 freestyle prelims, swam to a second-place finish in the event in a time of 1:39.97, just behind former The Woodlands Swim Team swimmer Maverick Smalley of Austin Bowie, who won in 1:38.96. In the 500 freestyle, LeNeave had another tremendous swim, finishing with the bronze in 4:31.91, just behind Plano East's MacKenzie LeBlanc (4:29.43) and Southlake Carroll's Wil Singley (4:30.23). Both of LeNeave's times were automatic All-American cuts, making him a seven-time High School All-American. "I could tell in the 200 freestyle I was swimming well because I won the prelims, beating Maverick Smalley, whose been the top guy for a while now," said LeNeave. "In the 500 prelims I was a good two body lengths ahead of everyone. I knew I would have a best time." The times for LeNeave have qualified him to compete in the Senior Nationals, which will take place at the end of the month in Seattle, Washington. At that meet, LeNeave will be making an attempt at Olympic Trial qualifying times. "I'm really excited to get the chance to compete at that level," he said. "If I want to really succeed in getting closer to possibly making the Olympic team, I need that national exposure. I would be competing against the elite swimmers in the United States. "My swim coach for the (non-school) The Woodlands Swim Team, Tim Bauer, thinks I have a pretty good chance of finaling there." LeNeave is still undecided on where he will be competing collegiately. He has scholarship offers from numerous schools, and has narrowed it down to Texas A&M, the University of Louisville, the University of Virginia and the University of Kentucky. LeNeave has made visits to Texas A&M and Louisville and will be making trips to Virginia and Kentucky before making his decision official on April 12. LeNeave said all the success he has had in the pool has been made possible by several people, including Bauer and Conroe High School head coach Steve Montgomery, as well as his Sean's parents, John and Sally. "I'd really like to thank Coach Montgomery and Coach Bauer," said LeNeave. "And I'd like to thank my parents. I want to thank them all for their support and help."
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