Stillwater Senior Elias Mendez has just capped off his incredible senior season. Over the course of the season he was able to break seven out of eight school records available for the men’s team, and was also named to the all-state east team.
When asked how he felt about breaking that many school records Mendez said that coming into high school his goal was just to break at least one.
“To walk out of this program with seven is crazy,” Mendez said. “I know younger me would freak out if he knew, I just feel so blessed.”
Mendez broke the school record in the 100 free, 100 fly, 100 back, 100 breast, 200 free, 200 im, and the 500 free. After this incredible career at Stillwater he is not done yet. Next year he will be attending Missouri State to continue his athletic career at the next level.
When asked about what he was most excited for at the next level, Mendez said, “Definitely all the resources up there. They have insane amounts of everything from recovery to equipment.”
Mendez has made many friends on the team. One of these teammates Sophomore Enea Mighnetti was a close friend of Mendez on the team. He said he will miss Mendez a lot after graduation.
“I am going to miss the way that he brings the team together.” Mighnetti said.
Mendez could not have done it alone however. When asked about his biggest motivation and support over the years he immediately knew who to name.
“My biggest motivator is my mom and coaches,” Mendez said. “My mom is the one who started this journey with me and is my biggest supporter, also the loudest. My coaches really push me and challenge me everyday to be a better swimmer and person.”
One of these coaches that has helped Mendez on this journey is Coach Brodie Morris. Coach Morris has been apart of Mendez’s journey since the beginning of high school as a club coach and eventually a school coach. Coach Morris has greatly enjoyed the journey of coaching Mendez .
Coach Morris says that Mendez always brings his best energy and dedication to practice everyday.
“It’s rarely ever a dull or lackadaisical practice, the work ethic and humor is always there,” Morris said.
