Chaparral's Ryan Hoffer is gunning for his fourth consecutive 50-yard free title at this weekend's state meet (Photo courtesy of Ryan Hoffer family)

Ryan Hoffer didn't gradually become one of the state's best  high school swimmers. He was already there as a freshman. 

The multi-decorated Chaparral senior, who committed to Cal this spring, bids for a fourth 50-yard free title among other accomplsihments this weekend (Nov. 4-5) at the Division II state swim and dive championships at Skyline High's Aquatics Center in Mesa.

Taking interest in swimming was a logical and easy choice at a young age for Hoffer. His father and mother (Scott and Allison) swam collegiately at ASU where they met. Older brother Brandon and Ryan tinkered with basketball and swimming growing up.

Brandon opted for the former path and Ryan the latter. Both have done well. Brandon, a standout guard at Chaparral, is in his second year playing hoops at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colo. Ryan has been extraordinary and beyond, as results from his freshman season foretold with a gold medal in the 50-yard free and silver in the 100 fly.

Hoffer enters his final state meet with six gold medals and a chance for an additional four at this meet. He'll swim the 50 free,100 fly and most likely the 200 and 400 free relays.

"Winning the 50 three years and a chance for a fourth is amazing," Chaparral coach Richie Krzyzanowski said. "Doing that is a difficult thin. At the same time he is among the fastest in the U.S. Top two. All that speaks for itself, and why he's the top recruit in the country."

Hoffer also hopes to take aim at national high school records in the 50 free, 100 fly and 100 free. The times he needs to eclipse for those are 19.29 (50 free), 45.89 (100 fly) and 42.34 (100 free). As leadoff for the 400 free relay, that split would count for the record should he break it.

Hoffer's gold-medal snatching began in (2013) when he won the first of his three titles in the 50-free. His 19.53 sophomore time in 2014 stands as the state record, one he initially broke as a freshman at 19.55. His sophomore year he also won the 100 free, again in record time at 43.20. A third state-record clocking followed last year in the 100 fly (47.47). Hoffer's other gold medal was snared in 2014 swimming the first leg of the Firebirds' 200 medley relay. Hoffer intends to be more focused at bettering his previous times in his final year at state. He feels additional motivation in another aspect.

"My training techniques and goals were more suited to club meets last year," Hoffer said. "This year the focus is primarily on the high school meet since it's the last time. We have a good shot at winning as a team. I want to help as much as possible toward that."

Winning a team title won't be easy, but perhaps not as daunting since Chaparral won't have to overcome the gauntlet of Brophy Prep, Mesa Mountain View and Desert Vista in its bid for a team title. The Firebirds' stock has risen competing in D-II this year, which still possesses quality competition. Catalina Foothills, one of Tucson's top programs, is in the title mix as usual.

"It's going to be fun to watch Ryan and see what else he can accomplish," Krzyzanowski said. 

Just like the last three years.