Parkersburg South senior Quade Harris looks at the clock after winning the 100 backstroke at the Penguin Invitational earlier this season at the Parkersburg YMCA. (Photo by Kerry Patrick)

PARKERSBURG – The lineage of boys swimmers who originated with Parkersburg South’s back-to-back state championships in 2022 and 2023 takes its final bow at this week’s state meet in Morgantown.

Individuals who are competing as part of their senior year and contributed to the Patriots’ impressive run include Quade Harris and Connor Roberts.

The State Meet runs over the course of two days, beginning on Thursday.

This year at the Region I meet at Brooke High School, Harris broke the regional record in the 100 backstroke formerly held by Parkersburg High School’s David Snider. From the four regions in West Virginia, Harris’ time of 52.64 ranks second only to George Washington’s Kenneth McGlothen.

Harris, who won an individual state title as a sophomore, also turned in the second fastest time while winning the 100 backstroke (52.56) at regionals. He is chasing George Washington’s Will Hamrick, who also owns the fastest regional time in the 200 individual medley.

“Quade was not resting at regionals,” South coach Ryan Radcliff said. “At the beginning of the season, we gave Quade the choice for his second individual event -he earned that right. He decided to go for the fly. He had a really good swim at regionals. I’m excited to see what he can do.

“Quade has definitely had as much success as any kid in South history. He has had a lot of success and is a very decorated swimmer for us.”

Throughout the regular season and prior to the state meet, Harris sported a beard rivalring a true Mountaineer. This week, he is clean shaven and beardless.

“That should make him faster,” Radcliff chuckled. “He hasn’t hit his peak yet, so he should have some good races to look forward to.

“Whatever he does at state, he will have his spot in South history as long as his name is on the (record board).”

Roberts placed runner-up at regionals in the 100 breaststroke. Another senior, Noah Dulaney, has emerged with better-than-anticipated results in the 100 backstroke.

“This is the end of an era with Quade and Connor,” Radcliff said. “These are the last guys who were part of that run.”

While Harris has the two George Washington swimmers to contest for a possible title, on the girls side South sophomore Camryn McLain has a good opportunity to compete in the final heats for both the 200 individual medley and 100 breaststroke – two events she won at regionals.

“Last year, we kind of stuck Camryn with Jordan (Claypoole) to help show Camryn the ropes, be a good example and how to carry herself,” Radcliff said. “Camryn has been a great leader, even as a sophomore. I couldn’t ask for anything more.

“This moment at state, she has the opportunity to grow and solidify herself as one of the best in the state. Just being a sophomore, that’s impressive.”

The majority of the 11-member senior class for South swimming are male swimmers. The girls competing this week at Peak Health Aquatic Center at Mylan Park are gaining valuable experience for next season.

“We are not too deep with the boys as in years past – the girls for the most part are very young,” Radcliff said. “In the team standings, we will still be respectable. Our No. 1 intention every year, no matter the circumstances, is to try and score as many points as possible.”