Jenks High School Shines in State Swimming, Faces Eligibility Lawsuit

Jenks High School's swimming teams have achieved a remarkable sweep of the Oklahoma 6A State Swimming Championships, reclaiming titles from the previous year. However, this success is shadowed by a lawsuit filed by a senior athlete against the OSSAA regarding sports eligibility, raising questions about the association's recruitment policies.

Dominant Performance in the Pool

Jenks High School's swim teams showcased exceptional talent at the Oklahoma (OSSAA) 6A State Swimming Championships, securing team titles for both the boys and girls. The girls' team clinched their 15th state title with 427 points, while the boys' team earned their sixth title in seven years with 349 points. Both teams successfully defended their championships from 2023.

Key Takeaways:

• Jenks girls swept all relays, with Marissa Williams winning the 100 fly and contributing significantly to the team's score.

• Jenks boys were led by juniors Reece Pangburn and Reid Hudson, who secured individual victories and contributed to the team's overall success.

• Several swimmers set personal bests and state records during the competition.

Individual Brilliance and Records

Several swimmers delivered outstanding individual performances. For the girls, Jenks' Marissa Williams won the 100 fly, and Addie Howze of Bartlesville set a new state record in the 100 back. Anna Young of Bartlesville defended her titles in the 200 free and 500 free, while Laney Jones of Edmond North won the 50 and 100 free. Jessalyn Carpenter of Ponca City defended her 100 breast title.

On the boys' side, Jenks' Reece Pangburn successfully defended his 100 breast title and won the 100 fly. Reid Hudson won the 200 free. Jack Starrett of Edmond North was a standout, winning the 100 free and contributing to two relay victories. JD Thumann of Norman High School defended his 50 free title and won the 100 back. Elias Mendez of Stillwater won the 200 IM, and Max Spory of Edmond Memorial defended his 500 free title.

Eligibility Lawsuit Casts a Shadow

Adding a layer of controversy to Jenks High School's athletic achievements, a senior football and track athlete, Kayleb Barnett, has filed a lawsuit against the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA). Barnett is challenging the OSSAA's decision to make him ineligible for sports this year after transferring to Jenks High School. The OSSAA denied his waiver request, citing concerns that Jenks recruited him. Barnett's legal team argues that the OSSAA's decision jeopardizes his future college scholarship opportunities and that his move was a planned relocation to live with his father.

Football Success Amidst Legal Challenges

In addition to their swimming triumphs, the Jenks High School football team also experienced success, defeating Tulsa Union 42-7 in a 6AI quarterfinal playoff game. Kaydin Jones was a standout performer, rushing for 203 yards and four touchdowns. Notably, Kayleb Barnett, the athlete involved in the eligibility lawsuit, scored a touchdown in this game, highlighting his athletic contributions to the school.

Sources

• Jenks High School Sweeps Oklahoma 6A State Titles, SwimSwam.

• Jenks High School Senior Sues OSSAA Over Sports Eligibility, News On 6.

• Jenks defeats Tulsa Union: Live updates, score of Oklahoma 6AI quarterfinal showdown, sportingnews.com.