Trey Matthews is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Brophy for AZPreps365.com

The Brophy Broncos won their third straight swim meet on Thursday, defeating the Horizon Huskies, 114-56, at home. 

The Broncos have outscored their three opponents 396-115 to open up their season. 

Senior swimmer Finnegan Crawford led the way for the Broncos as he was able to finish first during the 100 fly event and posted his career-best time. His finish was also the second fastest time in the state this season. 

“I’m extremely happy with my performance,” Crawford said. “I think the only way to go is to keep getting faster, keep putting in the work. Hopefully, I get to throw together a good swim at state this year.” 

Coach Daren Brubaker is extremely proud of what Crawford has been able to achieve ever since transferring from the Horizon Community Learning Center. He’s excited to continue watching Crawford grow even more. 

“He transferred here last year not knowing anybody,” Brubaker said. “His brother (Markus) as well. I just think it’s very remarkable…I’m really proud of him. I say this to all of the boys, but I love him.” 

It’s still very early in the season, but Crawford is looking to maintain his consistency going forward. 

“It’s just about putting in the work,” Crawford said. “Showing up to every practice. If I have a bad swim, I just have to make sure that I don’t get too caught up on it. I just keep rolling with the punches.” 

Going into the meet, Brubaker wanted to give his freshmen a chance to prove themselves. So, he placed a few of them in different events. 

“I definitely experimented with the lineup just a little bit,” Brubaker said. “Kind of getting these guys some experience. Especially our freshmen doing stuff that makes them uncomfortable. Their swim races are going to be contagious. Everyone just feeds off of that, and goes from there.” 

Freshman swimmer Mark Heffern was able to make the most out of his opportunity as he won the 100 freestyle event and finished second in the 200 freestyle race. 

“I’m happy with my performance today. I just can’t wait to get faster and win state,” Heffern said. “I think everyone will do good. I think everyone will drop time. Hopefully we succeed this season.” 

After Brophy clinched the victory, Brubaker was very satisfied with his decision to give his younger swimmers a chance to prove themselves. 

“They came in and won a race, “ he said. “They put in a lot of work during their offseason. We’re a bunch of farmers. Now it’s time to pick the crops.”

The Broncos (3-0) overall had a great team showing. They swept all three relay races, and placed first in all of but two individual events. They will look to maintain their dominance on Thursday at 4 p.m. against Highland. The meet will take place at Greenfield Junior High School. 

Horizon will look to bounce back next Thursday at 2:30 p.m. against Shadow Ridge. The meet will take place at Roadrunner Park.