By Delaney Jackson

Features Editor

This year’s boys swim and dive team had a very successful season, winning conference and placing second at State.

Head coach Errich Oberlander says that he was happy with how the season went.

“This was the most successful season as a coach I’ve had so far,” Oberlander said.

Sophomore diver Alex Burt says he was excited with how State went.

“Last year, I got All State, but I didn’t medal. This year, I got sixth place, which means I got All State and a medal.” Burt said.

Senior Nick Keller talks about the experience.

“It was good, we all came together as a team to achieve our goal. It was a very stressful meet, and I think we all felt that both divers and swimmers. We all performed up to what Obie believed we could, we came away with a trophy and got our first State title, so I think that shows a successful meet.” Keller said.

The 200 free relay team won the competition, which was the first win ever for Oberlander.

“I’ve been waiting for a State champion. I’ve had a kid finish second and a lot of thirds, so this was really nice.” Oberlander said.

The relay consisted of seniors Ben Morgan, Kyle Hepting, Jake Workman, and Nick Keller. Keller says the team has been swimming together since freshman year.

“We’ve been swimming this relay in the same order since freshman year, and we’ve been chasing the school record for four years. To finally get the record, as well as win State it was really awesome.” Keller said.

Oberlander says that his favorite part of the season was the consistency.

“The only team all year to beat us in a big meet was Cape Central at COMO and State, and they’re REALLY good,” Oberlander said.

He also believes that South had one of the hardest conferences in the State.

“The State meet just proved how fast our conference was because we were second, LSHS was fourth, LSN was seventh, and Park Hill was 14th. So four in the top 14 and 3 in the top seven. Six of the top nine teams in the state were KC schools that we swam against during the year.” Oberlander said.