Monahans Loboes Capture Historic 4A State Swim Title

The Loboes swimming team returns home to a hero's welcome after winning the school's first-ever 4A state championship.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Monahans Loboes swimming team made history by capturing the 4A state championship, the first title in program history. The victory was the culmination of years of hard work and determination for the team, who had finished third at state the previous season. The Loboes were welcomed home by a jubilant community proud of their accomplishment.

Why it matters

Winning a state championship is a momentous achievement for any high school sports program, and the Loboes' victory represents a significant milestone for the Monahans community. The title is a testament to the team's dedication and the support of their hometown, showcasing the power of a tight-knit community rallying behind its athletes.

The details

The Loboes' state championship victory came after a heartbreaking third-place finish the previous year, which the team used as motivation throughout the season. Led by seniors like Jacob Richardson, Brayden McGowan, and Jay Howard, the team was determined to bring home the title and fulfill their long-held dreams of becoming champions.

  • The Loboes won the 4A state swim championship on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • The team finished third at the state meet the previous year.

The players

Jacob Richardson

A senior on the Monahans Loboes swimming team who helped lead the squad to its first-ever state championship.

Brayden McGowan

A senior on the Monahans Loboes swimming team who had envisioned winning a state title with his teammates for years.

Jay Howard

The head coach of the Monahans Loboes swimming team, who guided the squad to its historic state championship victory.

Monahans Loboes

The high school swimming team from Monahans, Texas that captured the 4A state championship, the first title in program history.

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What they’re saying

“It was really unbelievable. It was definitely like a dream come true because we've been talking about it since my 8th grade year actually. And for us to be able to finally win state, it was very meaningful.”

— Jacob Richardson, Senior, Monahans Loboes Swimming Team (NewsWest9)

“It was definitely surreal. It was something that me and my teammates have looked forward to for as long as I can remember. Our coach was telling us that we could be champions one day. It sounds crazy at first, but when it's possible, it turns dreams into reality.”

— Brayden McGowan, Senior, Monahans Loboes Swimming Team (NewsWest9)

“When we walked out of there last year, we finished third last year. I walked out of that place. That was my ultimate goal. And we just stuck with that throughout the course of the year. We talked about it all year. That's what we wanted to do. I'm extremely happy and proud of them.”

— Jay Howard, Head Coach, Monahans Loboes Swimming Team (NewsWest9)

What’s next

The Loboes will look to defend their 4A state swimming title next season, as they aim to cement their place as one of the top programs in Texas.

The takeaway

The Monahans Loboes' historic state championship victory is a testament to the power of perseverance and the strength of a tight-knit community rallying behind its athletes. This triumph will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Loboes swimmers to strive for greatness and leave their own mark on the program's legacy.