By Michael Kinney
OKLAHOMA CITY -- During the Mid-State conference Championship Saturday, the boys 500-yard freestyle, a large group of Norman North swimmers encircled the pool. Even as Norman's Bradley Quy easily won the event, the Timberwolves continued to yell and cheer for freshman Kendon McGehee, who was just trying to qualify for the state meet.
Leading the cheers was North's top swimmer, Wilson Wei, who leaped into the air after McGehee hit the qualifying time.
"That was one of the greatest moments in my 12 years of swimming." Wei said. "I am just so glad that I was a part of it. I am so happy for Kendon. He deserves it. He has been working hard all year. He just really wanted to make state and he cared a lot. I just tried to push him as hard as I can."
For the past four years, Norman North was led into the postseason by Ian McKenzie. But with his graduation, the leadership mantle fell to Wei, who helped lead the Timberwolves to another conference title at the Oklahoma City Community College Aquatic Center.
"Wilson has absolutely taken over in our coaching roles," coach Kent Nicholson said. "Wilson is most definitely acting as a coach and being a great leader."
The Timberwolves tallied 428 points and held off rival Norman High to take their second consecutive title. The Tigers fell to second with 403. Edmond Memorial (330), Moore (212) and Westmoore (199) rounded out the top five.
Wei picked up wins in the 200-IM and the 400 free-style relay. He also took second place to Southmoore's Paul Le in a tightly contested 100-backstroke. He is looking forward to their rematch at state.
"I know Paul Le from Southmoore in the 100-backstroke is going to be tough," Wei said. "He is the most talented swimmer I have ever competed against. I am looking forward to it."
Le also set a new conference record in the 100-freestyle. His time of 46.86 shaved more than a second off of the old record, which was held by Westmoore's Robert Whittle.
Current Jaguar Dakota Wheeler stayed on pace to add two more state championships to his resume. The All-American won both the 100-butterfly and 100-backstroke, despite not being at his best.
"I did OK for not shaving and not tapering," Wheeler said. "At conference I am just trying to go my hardest and see what happens. And see how close I can get to my best times."
On the girls side, it was Edmond (511) who walked away with the conference title. They held off Norman (338) by almost 200 points. North (278) took third.
"Norman High would have liked to have won, but Edmond just had more numbers," Nicholson said. "They both swam really well. I am happy with the way they both swam."
The Tigers started the meet off with an upset in the 200-medley relay. They posted a 2:02.52 to beat out favorites Edmond. Jacque Medina followed that up with a second place finish in the 200-free. She was two seconds behind the SaberCat's Alex Ballard.
"I was real happy with the weekend," Nicholson said. "In all we accomplished quite a bit. Got a few new state cuts in here."
Michael Kinney 366-3537 mkinney@normantranscript.com
