Boys swim and dive team competes at state Feb. 20-21
Freshman swimmer Trae Johnsen swims the 200 IM at EKL prelims on Feb. 6 in order to prepare for state.
The Boys Swim and Dive team will compete at the KSHSAA 5-1A State Championship on Feb. 20-21 at Capitol Federal Natatorium.
Like many programs, the swim team has steadily improved since its start when the school opened in 2010. Prior to last year, when the team placed 3rd, the team had never won a team trophy at state, but this year the team expects a successful meet.
Coach Arvel McElroy said the team is “in the top four” of competing teams. Though the team expects Wichita Heights, who won 2nd place at state last year, to be strong this year.
“We actually have a really high chance of placing,” senior Austin Arenholz said. “Our main competition is Wichita Heights.”
This season, the team used a combination of new and old training methods. Also they continued to focus on technique with the more experienced club swimmers.
“It’s more or less the same,” Arenholz said. “But this year we’re focusing more on team unity and High Intensity Training (HIT) than we did last year.”
Lots of new swimmers joined this season, many with previous experience. In fact, the State team includes 15 swimmers and two divers. However, this also introduces some challenges.
“It’s a lot more crowded in every lane,” McElroy said. “It’s great to have large numbers, but sometimes it can be difficult when you only have four lanes to swim in.”
Despite these obstacles, the team continues to persevere. With state fast approaching, they are swimming the yardage necessary to achieve their team and individual goals.
“They haven’t failed to get back up and keep going, which gives them more of an edge at State,” junior manager Madison Ruffalo said.“They have been working harder in the water and have had a better attitude out of the water.”
Senior swimmer Duncan Matchette practices his breastroke in preparation for the 200 IM that he will swim at state.
The team recognizes this as the beginning of a long and successful journey for the team. And they are looking forward to many successful years to come.
“I think we stand a very good chance of winning state next year,” junior Ian Holman said. “I think our biggest competitor is Wichita Heights and they have a lot of seniors that are pretty good that will be gone next year.”
The team is counting on upperclassmen to lead the team. Seniors Austin Arenholz, Brandon Spitler and Andrew Goode are expected to place high, as well as junior Ian Holman.
Overall the team is prepared to finish a successful season with some fast swims.
“I think the hard work will pay off,” Holman said.
