Batesville High School swimmer Bryce Timonera has been in a lot of big meets during his young career, but this was probably his biggest.

The Indiana High School Athletic Association announced an attendance record of over 5,000 people attending the 73rd annual two-day state finals event.

The upper levels of the Indiana University Natatorium were nearly full Saturday afternoon with hundreds more lining the pool deck.

How could a young man not have a few jitters?

After a lengthy wait through the first four swimming events, Timonera began his preparation for the 100 yard butterfly with a routine warm-up session while the diving competition was taking place.

That is if anything is routine at the state finals.

Coach TJ Greene watched as his top student completed his warm-ups and time was drawing closer to his first of two events.

As he exited the pool and took a little break, he admitted nerves were churning a bit.

When asked why he was nervous, he simply gestured to the crowd on each side of the pool.

That said it all. At that point it was obvious this was a special meet.

“The pressure of representing your school, your community, your teammates and all the folks who come to see him can add to the anxiety and nerves,” Greene commented. “Bryce’s nervousness was apparent to me the longer he had to wait.

“I did not feel he was intimidated at all by his competition. He just wanted to swim his best and he takes a lot of accountability for his results. I think that made him a little more nervous than usual before he swam,” he added.

Timonera may have been nervous, but when he stepped up to the start it was time for business.

Not expected to compete for the 100 yard butterfly title, the BHS freshman powered his way through the water and finished with a school record time of 51.22, which was good enough for sixth in the state.

It is the highest finish ever for a BHS swimmer at the state finals.

“His butterfly time was as good as it could get at this point in his training,” Greene commented. “Bryce actually was a little slower in the first 50 (23.81) than in prelims, but he came back faster in the second half of the race.”

Shortly following the championship race, the top eight individuals were introduced to the crowd. Timonera took his place on the podium and was presented his sixth place medal.

With only a short break, Timonera took a moment to hustle off his hardware to his parents and then it was back to business.

Four events later, Timonera was back in the pool competing in the consolation finals of the 100 yard back stroke.

He made the most of his time back in the pool. Timonera won his race with a mark of 52.06. His time was the fifth fastest on the day, but because he was not in the finals it did not result in a another podium trip.

“I was very happy with my times,” Timonera commented. “I could not have asked for much more.

“It was just an awesome experience,” he added.

Timonera proved he belonged among the best in the state and the experience he gained will only benefit him down the road.

“I will know more what to expect the next time,” he said. “I now understand the importance of practice ... every practice truly means something.”

Timonera was quick to give credit to his coaches and those who have supported him, especially coach Greene.

“I really appreciate all he has done to this point ... I see his dedication to making me a better swimmer every day,” Timonera said. “He is experiencing this right along with me..”

What’s next for the BHS swimmer?

“I have a state and national meet with the Marlins before school is out and then I hope to take a short break,” he said.