Boys swim team places first at Turner Invitational
In addition to the win, two individual times and one relay time qualified for state
January 14, 2015
The boys swim team placed first of seven teams at the Turner Invitational on Monday, Jan. 14. In addition to the win, there were three state qualifying times: senior Callahan Eckardt for the 200 free event, sophomore Garrison Fangman for the 100 fly event, and the 200 free relay of Eckardt, Fangman and juniors Adam Grey and Chase Midyett.
Team members stepping outside of their comfort zone and working to achieve their goals helped to make this meet victorious according to head coach Alissa Ruffin.
“This particular meet was very successful on many levels,” Ruffin said via email. “We’ve always had a large team, but numbers don’t win a swim meet. You have to have depth within your team [and] swimmers willing to challenge themselves individually to benefit the group as a whole. [At this meet] there were numerous personal goals met, there were swimmers who tried new events for the first time and there were state times achieved.”
Grey said that this meet’s win will help to encourage the team.
“I think it was a great meet overall,” Grey said. “I think it lets everyone know we can take first; this is our second time taking first … it gives us a lot of motivation.”
Ruffin also said that this invitational provided motivation.
“They found their focus and my hope is that the momentum they created at this meet will drive them through the rest of the swim season in a powerful way,” Ruffin said.
For Grey, part of this momentum is focusing on preparing for state with his 200 relay team.
“This is my first time to going to state, I’m pretty excited,” Grey said. “The other people [in my relay] have already been to state … they’ll help put me in the right direction.”
Despite the fact that this season is only the swim team’s third season in existence, it is continuing to grow and compete at high levels, Ruffin said.
“Swimming is a sport that has long been established in the Kansas City area, but it is still new to our district. I love that these guys are making a name for themselves and are establishing a positive rapport with the swim community,” Ruffin said. “People no longer ask who the new team is. Instead, they are anxious to compete against us because they know we are going to give them excellent competition. Every year we get better and better. I’m excited to see more of our swimmers at state this year and I’m excited to see each one of these guys meet the goals they are setting for themselves.”
