Bangor native Jason Thomas finished in 15th place in the 800-meter freestyle event Tuesday afternoon at the 2001 Phillips 66 Spring National Championships in Austin, Texas.

Thomas, who was seeded 35th based on his time in the 1,000-yard free at a Speedo Championships Series Sectional meet earlier this month, swam an 8:22.03 in his first appearance at the national championships.

Thomas, 18, was one of the top high school and club swimmers in Maine until he transferred from Bangor High to Mercersburg Academy in Pennsylvania two years ago. He is a junior at Mercersburg.