In a milestone moment for Piedmont High School athletics, the boys swim team made what is believed to be its first-ever relay appearance at the CIF State Swimming and Diving Championships.
The team earned its spot at last week’s North Coast Section (NCS) Championships, qualifying for both the 200-yard medley relay and the 400-yard freestyle relay and earning the right to compete at one of the most competitive high school swim meets in the country.
On Friday, four Highlanders—Owen Blanford (senior), Cole Carnazzo (sophomore), Nik Costello (junior), and Asher Takazawa (sophomore)—took on the state’s fastest swimmers at the Clovis Olympic Swim Complex.
Nik Costello, Owen Blanford, Asher Takazawa & Cole Carnazzo 
Asher Takazawa, Owen Blanford, Nik Costello & Cole Carnazzo
In the 200 medley relay, the team posted a time of 1:33.84, finishing 23rd out of 40 teams. Later, in the 400 freestyle relay, they clocked a 3:07.38, placing 21st out of 40. While only the top 18 teams advanced to the finals, the Highlanders came impressively close. They proved they could hold their own against powerhouse programs from across the state.
With three of the four relay members set to return next season, Piedmont isn’t just celebrating what it accomplished this year—it’s setting the stage for what comes next.
Photos courtesy of Lisa Chan Carnazzo