High school swimming: Norman North might be state championship favorite

With two of the fastest swimmers in the state in sophomore Justin Wu and senior Tomas Elder, the Timberwolves defeated defending state champion Tulsa Union in the schools' only meeting this season at the All-State Preview. Last weekend, Norman North cruised to the title in the Casady-McGuinness Invitational.

“We have a lot of kids swimming fast,” said Norman North coach Kent Nicholson. “The main competition for us at state looks like it's going to be Tulsa Union and Bartlesville. I wouldn't be able to pick a favorite between the three of us. I would think that Tulsa Union would be considered by most to have the best chance to win.”

Nicholson, however, does acknowledge that Norman North has it strongest swim team ever. Wu has posted the fastest time in the state in the 200 and 500 freestyle and the 100 backstroke.

“Justin Wu is overall the best swimmer in the state,” Edmond swimming coach Steve Riggs said. “He is very versatile and can do a lot of different things.”

Elder is second to Wu in the 200 and 500 freestyle and has posted the fastest times in the 100 and 50 freestyle.

“He (Elder) is definitely the faster swimmer in the state this year,” Riggs said.