VANCOUVER, Wash. — Skyview senior Eric Bugna has had a stellar swimming career, and as he sees his high school years coming to a quick end, he talks about his journey while looking forward to his future — which includes swimming for the University of Redlands, in Southern California.

“I have swam since I was 7 years old but I started club swimming at age 12,” said Bugna. “I love the individuality of the sport but I also love that although you’re swimming for your own times, your places add up to help your team.

When I was 16 I was selected as part of the Oregon zone team and placed top 5 at that meet from swimmers all over the western half of the nation. Also being able to qualify and place at state all four years of my high school experience has been great.”

During that time, Bugna has also kept his grades up and continues to be in the National Honor Society.

This fall, Bugna will be moving south to the University of Redlands, where he will be swimming at the collegiate level.

“I received scholarships based on my swimming and academics,” he added. “A total 75 percent of my college is paid for. It’s great!”

Bugna says he really enjoys club swimming the most. 

Bugna finishes an event at State 4A Prelims.

“Most of us are on the same level so swimming with them is really fun because we can race and train hard together,” he said. “High School swimming is very fun because a lot of my friends are on it and it’s kind of funny to watch all the people who try out thinking it’s easy, and end up having a hard time. It’s a really great sport. Swimming has taught me to be self determined and how to work with others.”

Bugna said goodbye to high school swimming in February, where he competed at State and made it to the podium.

Bugna still competes for Columbia River Swim Team (CRST), where he’s coached by Darlene Hill and Doug Lumbard. His high school coach is Ron Heidenreich.

“I want to thank them all for keeping my love for the sport and motivating me to become the swimmer I am today,” he said. “My friend Kienen, Matt, Jake, all from high school were my best friends on the team and I’d like to acknowledge Lucas Ulmer, Kasey Calwell and Chris Xue for being awesome training buddies at club practices.”

Bugna at State competing against friend, Lucas Ulmer.