This was it. Senior Matthew Garza was seconds away from beginning in his last race of the season and his high school career for swimming at state. In the midst of the screams and cheers of the crowd, his mind was occupied with one thought only- winning a medal.

After competing at the Swimming State Meet in Austin, Garza finished fifth overall in the 100m fly with 51.44 seconds, beating the school and his personal record on Feb. 19- 20.

“I was just trying to stay focused and calm and have a clear head,” Garza said. “I had to go out there and race.”

Going to state was very surreal, Garza said.

“However, leading up to the race throughout the day I was excited, nervous, happy, emotional and pumped full of adrenaline,” he said.

Swim Coach Amy Lamar and his Club Coach Cody Huckabay attended his final meet along with his parents and extended family.

“There are times when I spend more time with them than I do with my family,” he said. “They always know how to push me. They are all such amazing and inspiring people. I am very lucky that I get to train with them.”

Lamar became his coach when he was a sophomore.

“Matt has always been way more mature and responsible,” she said. “When I came in, he was acting like a college student. He’s always been a top-notch student, swimmer, athlete and person.”

What separates Garza from other swimmers is his relentless work ethic, Lamar said.

“I’ve never seen any athlete work as hard as I’ve seen him work,” she said. “He puts 120 percent into every single thing he does.”

Garza was given words of encouragement before he raced.

“Coach Lamar gave me one of the best pre-race talks I’ve ever had and I’ve been swimming for eight years,” he said.

He received a send off from his teammates and other organizations like drill team and band, along with many encouraging tweets throughout the event.

“The support that my coaches and school showed me while I was on this journey was absolutely incredible,” he said. “I am so blessed to go here where I am surrounded by my family and the Wolfpack.”

The race was even streamed live on Periscope by Principal Derrell Douglas.

“I liked how he kept us informed on the race,” junior Lauren Garza said. “We could support Matthew even though we physically couldn’t be there.”

The way Garza pushes himself to do better has inspired Lamar.

“He has made me a better coach,” she said. “I’ve always had to stay two steps ahead of him to stay up to his level.”

Garza is Lamar’s first and only state qualifier.

“Coaching Matt has been one of my greatest achievements,” she said.

Going to state for two years has been a learning experience, Garza said.

“We work so hard for months, so when it all comes down to that final race, we can go out having fun and enjoying the sport we love so much,” he said.

Lamar said she has no doubt Garza will do great things in the future.

There is absolutely no telling where Matt is going to end up,” she said. “Nothing is going to stop him. I believe he will keep growing because that’s what Matt does.”

Garza will be swimming for John Hopkins University.

“I just can’t imagine not being a swimmer,” he said. “This is my life and I would honestly be lost without it. I truly believe I would not be where I am today if I was not.”