See all posts in the Kirk’s Captain Corner series

(Kirk’s Captain Corner is a regular feature that will allow Carver County residents to get to know the student-leaders of the various teams in our high schools. Today, we feature senior captain Micah Brecht of the Chanhassen-Chaska boys swim and dive team.)

What initially got you into diving?

I was in a gym class in middle school with one of my friends who is on the dive team. We were messing around having fun on the diving boards the next day.I went to one of his dive meats and he suggested that I join next year — my 7th grade year. I was also a gymnast when I was younger, so I already had the air awareness that I needed to become a diver.

The first time I was asked to perform a back dive off the 1-meter board at Chaska Middle School East when I was a kid … well, let’s just say my diving career ended that day. Do you remember your very first dive? Was it terrifying, or did it just feel natural?

I don’t remember my first dive exactly, but I know that it felt natural and like a sport that I should continue to pursue.

Divers often feel a little isolated from the rest of the swimmers, even though you practice and compete together. How well does this Stormhawks crew embrace the diving squad?

I would like to say that I have grown very close with my team and formed great friendships with my teammates. From me supporting them to them supporting me, I have made something much more than friendships. Our coaches also push all of us and encourage us to support each other. I have enjoyed the opportunity to become a better teammate and captain for my team.

Divers often get to compete in swim relays — do you get to do the same? If so, how competitive does it get with the other swimmers?

I have competed in quite a few relays with other swimmers and several relays with just divers, too. I can’t say that my relay teams were ever very competitive with the other swimmers, but they sure were fun.

You just won the Section 2AA Diving championship. Congrats! Walk us through that experience.

I knew I just needed to stay relaxed throughout the whole competition. I have been diving since seventh grade. I have learned many dives and how to complete them at a high level. The meet was competitive throughout. Henry from Minnetonka dove really well. Toward the end of the meet, I was behind by a few points, so I had to really focus and hit my last dive. I nailed that last dive, and once I saw my scores, I knew it was over. I walked over to my teammates and celebrated.

State is this week — Diving prelims on Thursday and finals on Saturday.  Looking ahead, what are your goals for the competition?

I’m looking forward to competing against other great divers at State again. This will be my third year at State. I have not made the podium (top 8) previously, so my goal this year is to earn a medal and be on the podium. I know I’m ready, and I’m excited to compete at State one last time.

What are your plans for next year?

I’m planning on diving in college and majoring in business. I have visits planned after the season is over, so I have not made a decision on where I will be competing next year.

What does it mean to you to be a team captain?

To me, being a captain means being a role model for all my teammates to look up to and be a great competitor that other teams and coaches can use as an example for their teams and future athletes. It also means a responsibility to demonstrate sportsmanship and support my team and teammates. This year feels particularly special because our assistant swim coach, Sam Brennan, was my captain 7th grade year. I know that if I can be a role model like he was, I know I have done what I need to as a captain. Being a captain for this team will always be something I am proud of and always something I will remember. This team is family to me and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for the future.

The Minnesota State High School League Class AA Swimming and Diving Championships take place Feb. 26-28 at the University of Minnesota Aquatics Center. Diving preliminaries begin Thursday at 6 p.m., and swimming preliminaries begin Friday at 11 a.m. The finals begin Saturday at 6 p.m.