Grace Community Swim Teams Earn Top Finishes at Dragon Invitational

October 27, 2025 – The Grace Community Cougars traveled to Nacogdoches on October 25th to compete in the Dragon Invitational, a meet that brought together teams from Nacogdoches, Huntsville, Hudson, Huntington, Hallsville, Groveton, Pineywoods, Central Heights, and Arp.

It was another exciting day of racing as the Grace swimmers continued to show strong improvement across the board. The Grace girls’ team earned an impressive 2nd place overall, finishing just behind host Nacogdoches, while the boys’ team battled hard for 3rd place, missing 2nd by only six points. Even more encouraging – 68% of all Grace swims were season-best times, showing the steady progress of this dedicated team.

There were several standout performances at the meet. Senior captain Mollie Mathis claimed a decisive win in the 100 freestyle, touching the wall more than two seconds ahead of the field, and followed that with a strong 2nd place finish in the 200 freestyle, finishing over eight seconds ahead of the next competitor. Sophomore Addie Lybrand had a breakout meet, cutting nine seconds from her 200 freestyle and another four seconds from her 100 freestyle. Freshman Isaac Stephenson also had his best meet of the season, earning 2nd place in the 200 Individual Medley and swimming personal bests in all three of his relay events.

The Cougars continue to train with enthusiasm and determination, building momentum as the season progresses. Their next competition will be held on November 11th at 4:30 p.m. at the TISD Aquatic Center on Earl Campbell Parkway. Come cheer them on as they continue to grow stronger together!

Girls Individual Results

  • Ella Buess: 3rd 100 Breaststroke; 4th 500 Freestyle
  • Audrey Green: 10th 100 Breaststroke; 12th 50 Freestyle
  • Ava Green: 6th 50 Freestyle; 6th 100 Backstroke
  • Laura Kate Green: 9th 100 Backstroke; 13th 100 Freestyle
  • Natalie Jenks: 4th 100 Backstroke; 8th 100 Freestyle
  • Addie Lybrand: 8th 200 Freestyle; 11th 100 Freestyle
  • Mollie Mathis: 1st 100 Freestyle; 2nd 200 Freestyle

Girls Relay Results

  • 200 Medley Relay: 3rd (Jenks, Buess, Mathis, Audrey Green)
  • 200 Freestyle Relay: 4th (Lybrand, Audrey Green, Ava Green, LK Green)
  • 400 Freestyle Relay: 2nd (Jenks, Buess, Lybrand, Mathis)

Boys Individual Results

  • Mateo Agudelo: 4th 500 Freestyle; 8th 50 Freestyle
  • Sam Doyle: 5th 50 Freestyle; 10th 100 Freestyle
  • Will Means: 5th 100 Breaststroke; 7th 100 Freestyle
  • Daniel Minick: 3rd 100 Freestyle; 4th 200 Freestyle
  • Eli Murphy: 13th 100 Breaststroke; 15th 50 Freestyle
  • Leo Rubio: 4th 100 Butterfly; 4th 100 Backstroke
  • Isaac Stephenson: 2nd 200 Individual Medley

Boys Relay Results

  • 200 Medley Relay: 4th (Stephenson, Means, Rubio, Agudelo)
  • 200 Freestyle Relay: 3rd (Stephenson, Doyle, Minick, Rubio)
  • 400 Freestyle Relay: 3rd (Stephenson, Minick, Means, Agudelo)