WICHITA, Kan. (Catch it Kansas) - A two-time USA Swimming Scholastic All-American, Wichita East’s Drayden Bell swept his events again this year at the 6A state swim and dive meet, making him a seven-time state champion.

Senior Drayden Bell said, “As a young kid, I went to water parks and all that around, so I really enjoyed the water as a little kid and my parents always put me into swim lessons. Over time I just grew to love the sport more. About third grade, one of my friends told me about Wichita Swim Club. It just became a full-on passion for me.”

Wichita East senior swimmer Drayden Bell has won four straight 50-yard freestyle state championships and three consecutive titles in the 100-yard freestyle.

“I don’t try to think of anything else but me in that water and all the hard work that I’ve tried to put in. So, that’s the main things I try to stay in the zone,” said Bell.

Over his many years in the pool, win or lose, Bell just wants to come away giving his best effort every time.

“Freshman year, I knew I was going to do good but if you told me I was going to be state champion and 50 seconds in the 100, I would’ve been like, ‘I’m not sure about that one.’ But over time, it wasn’t about the medaling, it wasn’t about the records or what not,” said Bell.

From Wichita Swim Club to Roll Tide, this fall Bell will be continuing his academic and swimming careers at the University of Alabama.

Rising Star: Wichita East’s Drayden Bell becomes 7X state swim champion