"When Highland Park coach Mike Sorrells began the 1999-2000 season he had a hunch. Sorrells knew the Scots boys team had its best chance ever to win the Class 4A state championship. At the end of last season when the UIL split Class 5A from Class 4A and under, Sorrells saw his team with an edge. Yet the hunch had more to do with the leadership of senior Brian Stephens than the new classification.

"Stephens, an All-American, won two gold medals in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 57.27 and the 200 individual medley (1:54.40) at state to lead Highland Park to its first state championship since 1963. But what Stephens contributed was far greater than just winning. When he graduates this year, Stephens' mark will be left behind for a talented group of young swimmers to follow."

"I've never coached a kid with such an outstanding work ethic," Sorrells, who began coaching at Highland Park in 1964, said. "And his leadership has rubbed off on the others."

It is Stephens' work ethic that took him to the next level this season. After a fifth place finish in the 100 breaststroke last season at state, Stephens stepped up his training. Stephens was the only Highland Park representative at state last year, but he influenced the rest of the team's performances this year. The Scots pulled together under his leadership and totaled enough points to win the state championship."

Way To Go Norm!