Saturday, July 27th, 2024

Thomas Klement | 1993-1995 | Lubbock High School | Boy's Swimming

For the first time since the Lubbock ISD Athletic Hall of Honor’s inception in 2010, we are proud to honor a Lubbock ISD Swimmer. Thomas Klement set himself apart as one of the greatest swimmers and athletes in Lubbock ISD history. He left an indelible mark while setting a lofty standard for all future Lubbock ISD swimmers. Klement arrived at Lubbock High School in 1993 as a two-time New Mexico State Champion in the 100-meter Backstroke. His two years with the Westerners from 1993-95 would prove to be amazing. This Westerner standout was named High School All-American in three events; the 50-Freestyle, the 100-Backstroke and the 200-Individual Medley. In 1995, he established school and city records in the 100-Backstroke, the 200-Individual Medley and the 200-Freestyle Relay, and went on to become State Champion in the 200-Individual Medley and the 100-Backstroke. He was also the USA Swimming Short Course Junior National Champion in the 200-Backstroke. His strong season garnered First Team All-State honors by the Texas Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association in the 50-Freestyle, 100-Backstroke and 200-Individual Medley. For all of his accomplishments in 1995, he was named UIL Class 5A Swimmer of the Year, as well as the National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association and Swimming World National Swimmer of the Year. Heavily recruited by a number of NCAA Swim powerhouses like Texas, Arizona, Texas A&M and Auburn, he chose to sign with Auburn to continue his successful career. He was a member of the 1995 USA Olympic Festival Team and an Olympic Trials Qualifier in the 100-Backstroke, 200-Backstroke, 100-Breaststroke, and the 200 and 400-Individual Medleys. He completed his career at Auburn as a heavily decorated competitor, being named NCAA Division 1 All-American in the 100-Breaststroke, the 200-Backstroke, and the 200-Individual Medley in 1996 and 1997, and in the 200-Backstroke and 200-Individual Medley in 1998. Thomas was a key member of Auburn’s National Championship Team in 1997. They don’t come any more decorated than Thomas Klement. Lubbock ISD and Lubbock High School are proud to call him their own. And the Lubbock ISD Athletic Hall of Honor is proud to induct him into the Hall of Honor Class of 2018.
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