On November 30th and December 1st of 2018, the Spain Spark Swim and Dive Team, coached by Salley Mathias, competed at the 2018 AHSAA State Championship meet, held at Auburn University. The team had ten swimmers and one diver qualify to compete at the championships through the AHSAA Central Sectional Meet.
Of the team’s competitors, two placed first in their respective events: Ward Lockhart and Zachary El-Fallah.
Ward Lockhart, a junior, earned the title of the 2018 Alabama State Champion for the 500-yard freestyle. With a time of 4 minutes, 36.87 seconds, Lockhart beat the 6A-7A state record that he had previously set in the preliminary rounds. This will be his second state champion title in the 500-yard freestyle. Lockhart earned 2nd place in the 200-yard freestyle, as well.
Zachary El-Fallah, a current senior, became State Champion in the one-meter diving event, with a 56.25 point lead. El-Fallah is now Spain Park’s first ever diver to earn a state championship title.
