Arnold finished in 58.41 seconds on Friday morning at the University Interscholastic League Class 5A State Swimming and Diving Meet to qualify for today’s 11 a.m. final at Jamail Texas Swim Center.
His time was good for third place in his heat and ranks seventh among eight finalists. He entered ranked 14th out of 16.
Trimming more than a full second off his previous best time of 59.74 that won the Region III title two weeks ago was something Temple coach Trey Sullivan always thought was within Arnold’s reach.
“It was awesome,” Sullivan said. “That’s what we talked about. We knew he could go in the 58s.”
Even after recording a personal best for the second straight meet, Arnold believes he can go even faster. If Arnold can fix what he and Sullivan considered a bad start, he’s got a shot at Temple’s school record, which is 58.17.
“My race wasn’t perfect,” he said. “It was pretty sloppy. If I can correct my start, I can go faster.”
Sullivan believes Arnold has a legitimate shot at the record and a top-three finish, which earns a state medal.
“I think he can go even faster,” Sullivan said. “He’s very, very confident.”
Arnold just hopes he’s able to put himself in position to cap off Wildcat career in style.
“The goal is really trying to place in the top three,” he said.
