The boys StormHawks swim team took on Eden Pride (EP) in a dual meet on Jan. 21. The team is well represented by both Chaska and Chanhassen, with about an even split of swimmers from each school.
Swim meets are held at one of the better pools in the metro (Pioneer Ridge Middle School) and on a below-zero night is a nice warm way to watch some top-notch swimming. Each meet consists of 12 events of various strokes: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke (ranging from 50 yards to the strenuous 500-yards) and freestyle. Points are awarded based on each individual result.
One-meter diving takes place in the middle of each meet and draws each team and supporters into the precision of the event.
Swim season starts in early December and runs through later February, with state being in early March at the aquatics center at the University of Minnesota. While each meet is important to the team and all swimmers strive to help the team’s results, each swimmer seeks to improve his technique and times as the season progresses.
The StormHawks have participated in nine events so far this season, with five in January alone. Placing fourth at the MSHSCA Boys True Team State Class AA has been a high point so far in the season.
In the dual meet with EP, the StormHawks had strong results in all pool events placing first or second in most events, some racing events, like the 400 free relay, were decided by less than two seconds. Micah Brecht placed first in diving.
Tuesday’s meet included team recognition of the contributions of Chanhassen seniors Dylan Beliveau, Casey Parker and Isidore (Zed) Warain. Zed started swimming when he was 6 and Parker and Beliveau started when they were 10 and 11.
All have impressive results in the freestyle events as well as experience in butterfly, backstroke and breaststroke. Parker cites going to state as the highlight of his career. Warain and Beliveau related that working with and helping the younger members of the team has been the greatest reward/satisfaction for him and their StormHawk careers. Each cited the fun of swimming with their teammates and the camaraderie of meets and road trips as things they appreciate about being on the team.
The three seniors were honored by the team with a Grecian send off after the meet and were each given a ride in an inner tube up and down the length of the pool.
Coach Joe Mau, now in his sixth session with the StormHawks and more than 30 years overall, felt Tuesday’s meet was a great progression for the team as they move toward sectionals and state.
“We had some great races tonight and many guys made improvements in their racing,” he said. “We wanted to ensure we are making strides and preparing ourselves for the rest of the season. Also, we wanted to give the seniors a nice send off and recognize them and their efforts for the team. They’re a great group of guys.”
