Hope Frost is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Chandler High School for AZPreps365.com

Tears, cheers and fast swims highlighted Senior Night at Chandler High as the Wolves faced Cibola and Seton Catholic Prep on Thursday at the Kerry Croswhite Aquatic Center.

While official team scores were not available at the time of publication, Chandler turned in multiple state-qualifying swims and capped the evening with spirited relays.

Wolves coach Shannon Moxley called the night “bittersweet” as she reflected on the mix of celebration and farewell that comes with Senior Night.

“We're so excited to celebrate them,” Moxley said. “Some of these swimmers I've known since they started freshman year. It makes me tear up, but mostly we're just excited for them.”

Senior Tate Kelly set the tone with a state-qualifying swim in the 50 freestyle (25.23), as well as strong performances in the 200 medley relay, the 200 freestyle relay and the 400 freestyle relay. 

“Honestly, I just want to do my best,” Kelly said. “Finish my senior year with a bang.”

Fellow senior Madeline Johnson raced in four events for the Wolves, highlighted by a win and state-qualifying time in the 500 freestyle (5:45.27). Johnson said the race carried extra meaning given the occasion.

“It’s definitely a little sad,” Johnson said. “It’s been a great four years, and I’m just glad I had my Senior Night with these amazing people.” 

Johnson, who plans to continue her athletic career in college, hopes to reach the A-final at state and finish in the top five in all her events.

Senior Amias Hollister Ivanich reflected on what the program has meant to him over his four seasons. 

“I’ve been swimming my entire life, basically,” he said. “So ever since freshman year, I was waiting for this… I made a lot of great friends I never thought I’d have. It really shaped my swimming career, but also just my life in general.”

Hollister Ivanich also contributed to Chandler’s success, competing in several events for the Wolves. A win in the 100 breaststroke highlighted his night with a time of 1:11.43, as well as a close second-place finish in the 100 freestyle. He said his performances gave him confidence heading into the postseason, where he hopes to qualify for finals at state after narrowly missing last year.

Chandler also showed depth outside of its seniors. Several underclassmen posted time drops in individual races, giving the Wolves a boost in scoring and showing that the program’s future remains strong.

As tradition dictates, the seniors capped the meet with unconventional relays, swapping freestyle for IM and butterfly. 

Moxley laughed about the antics. “They did it without asking, so it was not coach-approved,” she said. “But this happens every year; we pretend to be angry, but we’re not.”

She added that Chandler is still pushing toward postseason goals. 

“We already have several who have qualified for state,” she said. “They’re in good position to maybe move up in the rankings. And our newer swimmers are dropping time like mad, which is fun to watch.”

With Senior Night behind them, the Wolves will now focus on hosting the Saturday Night Fever Invitational on Saturday before tapering for the state meet on Nov. 7.