Boys’ Swimming: Wilson Defends League Title in Home Pool, Poly’s Lucas Jue Breaks Records

The562’s coverage of aquatic sports in Long Beach in 2025-26 is sponsored by Watersafe Swim School

Much has changed in the last 70 years, but one thing that’s endured is Wilson High School’s legacy in aquatics. The boys’ swim program has been one of the most dominant in California history, and for the first time in a few generations, the Bruins got to host the Moore League finals on campus.

The Bruins did not squander the opportunity to defend their crown and protect their home pool, winning seven of the 11 events on Thursday evening to bring home the Moore League title for the third year in a row.

“All aquatics coaches know, a pool has an energy to it, and with the new pool you sort of have a fresh take at what energy you put into it,” said Wilson head coach Brandon D’Sa after his team’s victory. “It was something that we talked about every day, that we need to be putting in that type of energy into our home pool … And it shows up at the end of the year. I’m just so proud of these guys, they swam incredibly well.”

The Bruins secured 752.5 points to claim first place, followed by Long Beach Poly with 635.5 in second. Millikan was in third, followed by Lakewood, Jordan, and Cabrillo.

While Wilson dominated the team competition, the standout of the day was a Jackrabbit as senior Lucas Jue added to his legacy with a couple record-setting performances for Poly. The Louisville-bound Jue won a pair of individual golds, taking first in the 200 Individual Medley and the 500 Freestyle, setting meet records in both races, receiving a well-earned ovation from the crowd.

“I’m so happy with how I swam,” said Jue of his last league finals meet. “Obviously, it’s sad being my last season, but I love all these guys. I love all these coaches. It’s just a great place to be surrounded by for my last season. So I’m happy.”

Jue broke Wilson alum Hank Rivers’ meet record by a half-second, swimming a 1:48.50 in the 200 IM, but he really attacked the record books in the 500 Freestyle. Jue posted a time of 4:21.83 to break a 51-year-old meet record, set by Wilson legend and Olympian Tim Shaw. That time also broke Millikan alum Isaac Howell’s league record of 4:22.63 set in 2008.

“It just feels so good,” said Jue of winning that 500 Free in record time. “I’ve been eyeing that record since freshman year. That’s kind of been my event, I’m a little more of a distance guy, it’s more what I swim. So I’ve just been eyeing it forever, and it just feels so good to finally get it.”

Jue now holds three all-time Moore League records: two as an individual in the 200 and 500 Free and one as part of Poly’s 200 Medley Relay squad in 2023. He also holds four individual meet records at league finals (200 Free, 200 IM, 500 Free, and 100 Back) meaning he currently holds half of the Moore League’s meet records in the eight individual events.

Moore League Boys’ Swimming Finals 2026
Wilson High School hosted the 2026 Moore League boys’ swimming finals at the new Wilson Aquatics Center, and it was a record-setting evening in Long Beach.

Wilson was able to counter that star power with impressive depth, and had a two-time individual winner of their own in sophomore Aidan Conrey, who took gold in consecutive races, swimming a 21.78 in the 50 Free and then 53.48 in the 100 Fly. Conrey debuted at league finals last season as a 9th grader, and even shared gold with teammate Kai Bramble in the 50 Free. He said that experience helped prepare him to shine in his second go-round.

“I kind of learned just to not be scared of anybody, just to be myself,” Conrey said. “I’ve been training for this for like half of my life, so it was a great feeling to be able to win it this year instead of just tying it with Kai. But I love Kai to death … Getting that step up to double golds, it just feels amazing for me. It feels like I really achieved something.”

Conrey was also on a pair of winning relays (200 Free and 400 Free), along with junior Fernando Rejon and seniors Keegan Abing and Kai Bramble. Both seniors discussed the importance of winning at the new facility and also showcasing the depth that makes Wilson such a perennial powerhouse in the water.

“Hats off to Lucas, he’s a great swimmer. But I think we had four guys go under 50 in the 100 Freestyle, all 48s, that’s all consideration times for CIF,” said Abing of his team’s performance. “I think having that depth just speaks to our character and our culture here, and that’s what we strive for.”

PHOTOS: Moore League Boys’ Swim Finals

Bramble acknowledged how sweet the victories feel for Wilson after their historic league title streak was snapped in 2023. This senior class saw that happen as freshmen, but have made sure to take the celebratory plunge every year since–and this time, it was on their home campus.

“First one in the new pool is just amazing,” Bramble said. “Got to set the tone right for the younger classes and everybody else, you know, make this pool ours. So that’s kind of what we were keen to do … Especially jumping in after losing three years ago. That’s still fresh in our minds, so let’s always cherish it. It’s nice.”

Later in the meet, a pair of freshmen showcased the future of the league as Poly’s Elijah Livingood won the 100 Breaststroke and Wilson’s Shane Radaich won the 100 Backstroke.

Given that three of the Bruins’ five individual golds went to underclassmen, D’Sa is optimistic about the future of the program as they look to carry on Wilson’s peerless tradition.

“it’s not easy, especially for these young guys to come in here 14-15 years old against young men, basically, and try to be competitive with them,” said D’Sa. “The culture of this program is just really strong because of the senior class that is leaving it behind. And we just hope that these younger guys can continue on that tradition and culture.”

The Moore League’s swim programs will be back at Wilson High on Friday for the girls’ swimming league finals, starting at 4 p.m.