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All-Big Bend Swim Team Spotlight: Owen Ekk and McKay Yearty Shine

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, December 23rd 2025 at 5:40 GMT by Tallahassee Democrat

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All‑Big Bend Swim Team Spotlight: Owen Ekk, McKay Yearty and the Future of Tallahassee High‑School Aquatics

The Tallahassee Democrat’s latest high‑school sports roundup dives into the recent “All‑Big Bend” swim team selections, offering readers an inside look at the standout performers who earned a place on the state‑wide roster. The piece, anchored by stories of two young athletes—Owen Ekk of St. Thomas Aquinas and McKay Yearty of Leon High School—presents a broader portrait of Florida’s competitive swim scene, the developmental pathways of its top swimmers, and the local enthusiasm that fuels these programs.

1. What Is the “All‑Big Bend” Team?

The “All‑Big Bend” team is a showcase of the best high‑school swimmers from the Big Bend Conference, a regional league that includes schools such as Tallahassee’s own Leon High, St. Thomas Aquinas, and the neighboring schools in the West Coast region of Florida. The selection process, coordinated by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) and the conference’s athletic directors, evaluates swimmers based on their performance at the conference championships and state qualifiers.

The article explains that the team is not just a trophy list; it functions as a pipeline for athletes aiming to earn scholarships to collegiate programs across the country. The local sports community takes pride in recognizing these young athletes, as the swim meet coverage—both live and in the Democrat’s print—serves to highlight the dedication and training that go into competitive swimming.

2. Spotlight on Owen Ekk: The Breaststroke Specialist

Owen Ekk, a senior at St. Thomas Aquinas, is highlighted as the conference’s premier breaststroke swimmer. According to the article, Ekk broke the school record in the 200‑meter breaststroke during the recent Big Bend Championships, posting a time of 2:12.48—a mark that places him among the top 30 high‑school breaststrokers statewide.

Ekk’s coach, Maria Lopez, attributes his rapid rise to a rigorous offseason regimen that combines strength training, video analysis of his stroke mechanics, and mental conditioning. In a candid quote, Lopez notes, “Ekk’s work ethic is beyond what we see in most teens. He’s not just chasing records; he’s learning how to use his body efficiently, which is what elite swimmers need.”

The article also contextualizes Ekk’s potential recruitment interest. “A number of Division I programs in the Southeast have already reached out,” Lopez said. “His times are competitive with some of their current scholarship swimmers.” In addition, Ekk’s profile includes his academic achievements—he is on the honor roll, making the dual focus of athlete and scholar a recurring theme in the Democrat’s coverage of high‑school sports.

3. McKay Yearty: The Backstroke Phenomenon

McKay Yearty, a junior from Leon High, earned a place on the All‑Big Bend team for her 100‑meter backstroke, clocking a personal best of 1:01.12 at the conference meet. The article highlights that Yearty’s performance is especially notable because she began swimming only three years ago—she was a freshman when she first entered a swim program.

Her coach, David Carson, credits her success to an early commitment to technique over speed. “We started with a lot of drill work,” Carson said. “Backstroke is a technical stroke; we focus on the pull, the kick, and the turn. That’s why you see her improving so consistently.” Carson also points out that Yearty’s time is already close to the FHSAA state qualifying standard, which makes her a strong candidate for the state meet later in the season.

The article follows up on Yearty’s off‑pool life. She is a member of the school’s debate club and balances her rigorous swim schedule with a demanding academic load. Her dual focus is presented as a narrative that resonates with the Tallahassee community, which values both scholastic achievement and athletic prowess.

4. The Bigger Picture: Local Programs, Community Support, and Future Outlook

While the article zeroes in on Ekk and Yearty, it provides a broader look at how the Big Bend Conference’s swim programs are funded and sustained. Local businesses sponsor meet uniforms and travel costs, while the schools allocate budget for updated pool facilities. The article cites a recent partnership between Leon High and the Tallahassee Swim Club that provides advanced coaching for elite athletes.

An interview with the conference commissioner, Kevin Mason, offers insight into the evolving landscape of high‑school swimming. “We’re seeing more interest in swimming at the state level,” Mason said. “The number of athletes meeting the FHSAA standards has gone up by 15% over the last five years. That’s a testament to better coaching and better facilities.”

The article also touches on the role of the FHSAA’s new “Athlete‑Academic Balance” program, which encourages schools to offer tutoring and study‑hall resources for athletes. “Programs like this help us keep our athletes on track,” Mason added.

5. Key Takeaways

• All‑Big Bend selections are a prestigious acknowledgment for the top high‑school swimmers in the region, serving as a stepping‑stone to collegiate and national competitions.
• Owen Ekk exemplifies the breaststroke specialization, with a record‑breaking 200‑meter time that draws interest from Division I schools.
• McKay Yearty showcases the rise of a backstroke talent who has evolved from a beginner to a state‑qualifying athlete in just three years.
• Local community support—including sponsorships, partnerships, and school funding—plays a critical role in the continued success of these programs.
• Academic excellence remains a core component of the programs, ensuring athletes maintain eligibility for scholarships and professional opportunities.

6. Follow‑Up Links and Further Reading

The article links to several additional resources that provide deeper context:

1. FHSAA Official Swim Rules – a PDF that outlines qualification standards and event formats for state competitions.
2. Conference Meet Results – a live scoreboard detailing all swimmers’ times from the Big Bend Championships.
3. Leon High Swim Team Page – a school website that offers schedules, coach bios, and training plans.
4. St. Thomas Aquinas Aquatics Program Overview – a detailed guide to the school’s training philosophy and achievements over the last decade.
5. Local Swim Club Partnerships – a press release from the Tallahassee Swim Club highlighting collaborative initiatives with high schools.

By following these links, readers can trace the development of these athletes beyond the conference meet, explore the training methodologies employed by their coaches, and see how local institutions are shaping the next generation of competitive swimmers.

7. Conclusion

The Tallahassee Democrat’s feature on the All‑Big Bend swim team serves as more than a season recap—it is a celebration of community, perseverance, and talent. Owen Ekk and McKay Yearty represent the culmination of hard work, institutional support, and a shared vision of athletic excellence. As they prepare for the upcoming state meets and potential collegiate opportunities, the local community’s enthusiasm and backing will undoubtedly continue to be a vital part of their journey.