It was, to say the least, an exciting year for Free State High athletics.

History was made in February when the boys swimming and diving team captured the school’s first Class 6A state title. Senior Alex Brunfeldt and junior Anthony Portela won individual titles in the process.

More pool madness ensued in May, when the girls team placed fourth, led by two first-place finishes from standout sophomore Ashley Robinson.

Meanwhile, the baseball team, fresh off a trip to state in 2003, was even better in 2004, going 21-4 and advancing to state yet again. The boys basketball team finished 15-7, including three victories against crosstown rival Lawrence High.

Here’s a recap:

Football

The Firebirds finished 5-5 and advanced to the state playoffs for the third straight season. Senior Dain Dillingham caught 42 passes for 715 yards and earned an invitation to the Shrine Bowl.

Volleyball

Free State came close to advancing to the Class 6A state tournament, but fell in the sub-state finals to Olathe South. Nancy Hopkins’ team ended with a 20-19 record.

Cross country

Among the leaders for Free State High during the 2003-04 school year were, from left, senior Alex Brunfeldt, senior Lauren Abney, junior Brady Morningstar, senior Rebekah Berkley and senior Dain Dillingham.

Sophomore Alysha Valencia (sixth) and junior Danny Schneider (11th) both posted all-state performances at the 6A state meet at Rim Rock Farm. The boys, with Schneider and senior Nick Squier leading the way, finished second at regionals and sixth at state.

Girls tennis

The doubles team of Ellie Ott and Brenna Spurgeon was the city’s lone state qualifier. As a team, the Firebirds wound up third in the Sunflower League.

Gymnastics

Lacey Baxter was state champion on the balance beam, finished second in floor exercise and was fourth in the all-around competition. Teamwise, the Firebirds clinched a berth in the state meet and placed sixth.

Girls golf

A young squad finished eighth at the Sunflower League meet and fifth at regionals.

Boys soccer

Free State wound up with a 6-9-2 record and was ousted by Emporia at sub-state. Senior forward Joel Angelone earned all-state honors after scoring 18 goals.

Boys basketball

The Firebirds went 15-7 and advanced to the 6A sub-state finals. Junior Brady Morningstar (15.7 ppg) and Dillingham (15.1 ppg) led the squad to a 9-2 mark in the Sunflower League and second-place finish.

Girls basketball

The Firebirds doubled their win total from the previous year under second-year coach Bryan Duncan, finishing 8-13. Junior Jamie Stanclift averaged 12.3 points per game, and sophomore Banaka Okwuone led the Sunflower League in rebounding.

Wrestling

The Firebirds qualified seven for the state meet in Wichita despite injuries depleting an already thin squad. Sophomore Jesse Hardy was the Sunflower League champion at 189 pounds.

Boys swimming and diving

In addition to the state title, senior Brunfeldt set a state record in the 500 freestyle, and Portela also was an individual state champion in the 100 butterfly.

Girls soccer

The Firebirds struggled to a 2-11-1 record. Senior Rebekah Berkley scored 11 goals — including a school record four in one game — and added three assists.

Boys tennis

Free State tied for seventh at the Sunflower League meet and finished fourth at regionals, but had no state qualifiers.

Boys golf

The Firebirds took sixth at regionals, and had a state qualifier in junior Scott Moseley, who fired an 86 at the state meet in Topeka.

Girls swimming and diving

Free State had its best-ever finish at the state championships, finishing fourth in the team standings. Robinson claimed state titles in the 500 freestyle and 100 butterfly.

Baseball

The Firebirds beat Blue Valley West and Maize in the 6A state meet before falling to Goddard, 5-4, in extra innings in a thrilling state championship game at Hoglund Ballpark. Ryne Price hit .477 to lead the potent offense.

Softball

Coach Pam Pine’s team set a school record for victories with a 10-11 record and handed eventual state 6A champion Olathe East its only defeat. Junior Ashley Wagner hit .356 and was also the top pitcher.

Track and field

The boys 4 x 800 relay team won state for the fourth straight year, while senior Samantha Frisbie repeated as state champ in the high jump. The girls placed fourth in team points at state.