South Lafourche basketball player, swimmer sign college scholarships

One was a state champion; the other took her team into the second round of the Class 5A state playoffs.

Both have left their lasting imprints in the halls of South Lafourche High School

And last week, both of them officially became college athletes.

With their parents, coaches and friends by their side, Thomas Schwertz and Janee Lombas took their careers to the next level.

For Schwertz, a swimmer, and basketball point guard Lombas, the hard work and dedication they put into their school both in and away from their sports earned the two college scholarships.

Schwertz, the defending state champion in Division 1 50-yard freestyle, officially inked his name to become the newest swimmer at Centenary College in Shreveport while Lombas became the newest addition to William Carey University’s (Mississippi) basketball program.

“This is something I’ve always wanted to do, swim in college,” Schwertz said of accepting the scholarship. “It’s all I’ve been doing.”

Schwertz said he had other schools contact him, but felt the most comfortable with Centenary after getting to know the coaches and seeing the facilities on campus.

He plans to major in business.

“They were the first ones to really express interest in me,” he said. “They really wanted me to go there. It’s real nice facilities. They have an indoor pool, which is a big plus. I won’t have to worry about the weather conditions. I can go in there and train all year long. I don’t have to worry about being cold in the winter or lightning if it’s raining.”

Lombas’ trek to William Carey, an NAIA school, comprised four years as the floor-general for the Lady Tarpons basketball team.

To her, the chance not to give up basketball was too good to pass up.

“It’s a chance for me to extend my career,” she said. “I’m really excited about this opportunity because I won’t have to quit playing basketball.”

Lombas expects to take courses leading to becoming a registered nurse.

Corey Callais had the luxury of coaching both athletes, serving as the head coach of both the Lady Tarpons basketball and the men and women’s swim team. The moment was equally special for him.

“We always talk about coming out and working hard and good things happening,” he said. “That’s two outstanding athletes who signed today. It’s a big thing for us and the kids, their families, their school and our community. It’s tough getting exposure down here being so secluded, but what these two athletes accomplished this year both in the pool and on the basketball court helped put South Lafourche on a statewide map.”

He acknowledged how much both athletes had matured to be where they are now.

He said both set a goal to sign with colleges, and proved throughout their careers that they were going to work hard to reach it.

“Both have matured immensely. Both came in as really good athletes with the hard work and dedication they put in. I just saw them excel and step it up to that next level,” he gleamed. “Both had the right attitude. They set a goal that they would like to sign with a college and further their education.”

“Both of these kids just worked their tails off… Both of them are going to have very successful careers on that next level and I’m just proud of both of them,” he added.

Now the task becomes tougher for both the athletes and the coach. It’s the first time either Schwertz or Lombas has been away from home. And it’s the first time in four years Callais has to fill voids in their respective sports.

“I’m not sure how I’ll handle it up there yet. I guess we’ll have to see,” Schwertz said of moving.

Lombas wasn’t as uncertain.

“I’m going to miss home and my mom a lot,” she said. It’s going to be different.

“It’s going to be tough to replace them,” Callais said. “In Thomas, we lose a state champion in swimming. Janee just running everything on the floor as a point guard, that’s one of the hardest positions to replace. She’s been doing it for so long. It’s some big shoes to fill. As far as a coach, that’ll be two big holes very difficult to fill.”