By Todd Hveem
Chronicle correspondent

The Kingwood Lady Mustangs captured their first Class 5A state swimming championship since 2004.

But they probably won’t have to wait another five years to earn another one.

“I tell you what, it was a long dry spell for the girls,” Kingwood head swim coach Russell Duin said. “But we have the nucleus coming back to go back and give it another shot next year. I know the kids will be chomping at the bit to go back and give it a try.”

Kingwood’s only senior to compete in this year’s Class 5A state meet was the multi-talented Michelle Gean, who has signed with Rice.

The Lady Mustangs will return state qualifiers Jill Vitarius, Madelyn Hazle, Jamie Friderichs, Kathryn Nolan and Leah Pfitzer to their 2010-2011 team.

“The girls worked so hard this year,” Duin said. “They really started to believe they could do it after the TISCA meet. The feeling of confidence just starting to overcome them. Then, when we swam against Southlake Carroll, they gained even more confidence. That really got the ball rolling.”

The Mustangs, who finished third at the state meet, are gradauting Matt Barber (Arizona), Ryan Glander (Arizona State), Joseph Bergmeister and Steve Ciliske off this year’s team.

But Kingwood also welcomes back state qualifiers Hayden Polenz, Patrish Pash, Will Oswald, Mitch Glander and Jordan Jones to next year’s club.

“Finishing third is not bad at all,” said Duin, who guided the Mustangs to the Class 5A state title in 2009. “They won the 200 medley relay with a blazing time. They really surprised The Woodlands. After that, Matt (Barber) got the 200 freestyle. The kids all swam their hearts out. They never gave up or gave in.”

Kingwood Park wins 4A state swim title

The Kingwood Park Panthers successfully defended their Class 4A state swimming championship last week at the University of Texas in Austin.

The Panthers, who scored 277 points, won the 200 medley, 200 free and 400 frees relays, while Brooks Powell captured the 50 frees (20.98), Mark Dix won the 100 butterfly (50.11), Josephn Stanton won the 100 free (45.84) and Garrett Stewart won the 100 breaststroke (59.19).

The members of the 400 relay were Dix, Powell, Barrett Johannsen and Stanton, while Dix, Powell, Stanton and Chris Amoruso comprised the 200 relay.

The 200 medley included Powell, Stewart, Dix and Amoruso.

The Lady Panthers, meanwhile, finished seventh at state with 119 points.

Both teams should have a great shot to do well at state next year as they both bring back several swimmers from this year’s teams.