Senior Jack Callan couldn’t have written a better script to wrap up his high school swimming career.
The Bishop Kelley standout won four gold medals and set state records in each event at the recent OSSAA State Swimming Championships in Jenks. He also led the Comets to their second consecutive state team title. They dominated the Class 5A field, winning by an impressive 148 points.
“It’s the best way I could have asked to go out,” admitted Callan. “It’s been the best four years of my life.”
“As a team, I don’t think it could have gone better,” said Bishop Kelley coach Ellen Glasgow. “Everyone swam well and our seniors really showed up. It’s always great when your seniors can go out on top.”
To make it even sweeter, Callan’s record-breaking performances in the 200 and 500 free bested the previous 5A records held by his brother, Patrick, who currently swims for the University of Michigan.
“It was a special thing, not just for me, but for my whole family,” said Callan, who finished his impressive high school career with 15 gold medals. “My brother has been pushing me to do that for the past two years. He’s my biggest supporter. He was equally proud as anyone.”
Callan actually broke the individual state records and had faster times in the state prelims, but his finals times were still faster than the previous records.
“He’s one of those kids, when he’s in the pool, everyone has to watch him,” said Glasgow.
While Callan was excited to win the individual medals, he’s most proud of his team’s two wins in the 200 and 400 free relay.
“That meant everything to me,” gushed Callan. “The individual records meant a lot, but to win those relays with your teammates, there’s nothing better than that.”
“His support of his teammates is what impresses me the most,” added Glasgow. “He was so hyped to help his team have success, more so than himself. That’s the kind of person and teammate he is.”
It wasn’t a one-man show by any means for Bishop Kelley. The Comets also got a win from Paul Hunt in the 100 butterfly and Top 3 finishes from Sam Duda, Tyler Hoang, Preston Hoang, Ian Wilson and River Kirkland.
It’s customary for the winning team (and coach) to jump into the pool after winning a state title. Glasgow is 34 weeks pregnant, but she wasn’t about to skip the tradition.
“I dove in on my own,” said Glasgow proudly. “It was decided that I would do it myself and they wouldn’t have to worry.”
“We were surprised,” said Callan with a laugh. “We said, ‘Do you want to just slide in?’ and she said, ‘Nope, I’m diving in!'”
With his prep career officially over, Callan will soon set his sights on collegiate swimming. He’s committed to attend SMU in the fall.
“We’re really proud of what we accomplished in terms of winning,” said Callan. “The seniors, we’re a little sad to have to leave the team, but we’re really proud of the way we went out.”
