Swim and Dive team confident heading into Conference

Delaney Jackson

Features Editor

The boys swim and dive team has had a successful season so far, and looks to continue it at State.

Senior diver Kevin Schlenger says he thinks this season has gone well.

“This season has been really successful; we have some really big talent this year. I think that State is going to go really well, and that it will be a great way to end my diving career,” Schlenger said.

Head coach Errich Oberlander also thinks this season has been strong.

“The season has gone great so far; we’ve had three invitational wins and a second place finish at COMO to the heavy favorite to win State,” Oberlander said.

Schlenger thinks that the team is closer this season than in past years.

“The guys and I get along better this year. We hang out more outside of the pool than we have before. They’ve really helped me make my senior year of dive enjoyable, and I’m grateful for that,” Schlenger said.

Sophomore diver Alex Burt thinks that he’s more motivated this season than in past seasons.

“Last year, I did both diving and trampoline. This year, I am focusing solely on diving, and it’s helped me a lot. I’m hoping to dive year round in the off season,” Burt said.

The swim and dive team has broken many school records this season, and one of the relays is currently ranked first in the state. They placed second at the COMO Invite at Mizzou, which was a huge deal for the team. COMO is one of the biggest meets of the season, aside from State. Burt placed third at the meet, and says it really helped with his confidence.

“Placing third was huge in helping me out with my confidence. There was some really hard competition there, and to place third helped me realize that I am part of that too,” Burt said.

Oberlander says that he looks forward to seeing how the remaining goes.

“The consistency at big meets has been the best part of the season so far. I am really looking forward to our last two meets of the year to see how well we can do when we’re rested and focused,” Oberlander said.

The boys swim and dive team competes at conference this weekend, with prelims Friday October 21st and finals Saturday October 22nd.