Hoover’s big holiday — Newcastle boys swimmers post season-best times against strong regional field

After a weekend break from competition, the Newcastle boys swim team returned to the water Saturday at the Gillette Christmas Invite, leaning on another strong performance from junior Gabe Hoover while continuing to build depth and experience across the lineup.

Hoover once again anchored Newcastle’s top-end production, turning in two winning swims and continuing a streak of season-best performances. Hoover won the 200-yard freestyle in 1:54.92, then capped the meet by taking first in the 100 backstroke with a time of 58.96.

The backstroke result carried special significance, Scribner noted, as Hoover has targeted breaking the one-minute barrier this season — and will have to find a new objective for that event with two months remaining in the campaign.

“One of Gabe's goals has been to swim under a minute in the backstroke during the season,” head coach Doug Scribner said. “Finishing the race, Gabe had a big smile on his face seeing his 58.96 time in that event.”

Hoover acknowledged after the race that the swim came as a surprise, Scribner said, as he has been recovering from illness in recent days.

Junior Isaiah Anderson made his season debut for the Dogies and delivered steady early results, placing 13th in the 50-yard freestyle and seventh in the 100 freestyle.

“This was Isaiah's first competition of the season,” Scribner said. “He posted solid times in both the 50 free and the 100 free.”

Freshman Nathan Smith also showed continued progress as the season moves forward. He placed ninth in the 100 backstroke with a season-best time, cutting nearly two seconds from his previous mark.

“As a freshman Nathan is continuing to gain experience racing and becoming more competitive each meet,” the coach remarked.

As a team, Newcastle finished sixth in the final standings with 53 points. Buffalo claimed the team title with 228.5 points, followed by Sheridan (203.5) and Thunder Basin (183).

With the holiday invite behind them, the Dogies will see an entirely new slate of competition this week as they head north into the Bighorn Basin.

“The boys swimmers will get to see all new teams next week when they travel to Cody and Powell for invitationals,” Scribner said.

Gillette Christmas Invite

Jan. 3, 2026

Team standings

1. Buffalo High School — 228.5
2. Sheridan High School — 203.5
3. Thunder Basin High School — 183
4. Natrona County High School — 178
5. Campbell County High School — 160
6. Newcastle High School — 53

Dogie individual results

Gabe Hoover, Jr: 1st, 200-yard freestyle, 1:54.92
Gabe Hoover, Jr.: 1st, 100-yard backstroke, 58.96

Isaiah Anderson, Jr.: 13th, 50-yard freestyle, 27.29
Isaiah Anderson, Jr.: 7th, 100-yard freestyle, 1:03.11

Nathan Smith, Fr.: 5th, 200-yard freestyle, 2:29.08
Nathan Smith, Fr.: 9th, 100-yard backstroke, 1:18.97