2015-12-18

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said. “But we’re also very focused and we’re going to do great things at state.”

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he Coralville Recreation we were last year,” he said. “Our varsity or the elite swimmers. “West High swim team is Center begins to fill up with second tier guys are a lot stronger just about that. Team,” he said. a swarm of high school boys coming back.” McGlaughlin said it’s exciting “Everybody has a spot and we rely around 4:15 p.m. every day. The on everybody. That’s swim team files in, puts on their to see how the team what makes us a goggles and dives in for another has improved from last year, especially competitive program.” day of practice. underclassmen McGlaughlin said This year’s team, however, has the it’s encouraging to see two empty spots in their top lane and junior varsity the team as a whole during practice. Aidan Keen ’16 swimmers. “All the younger working hard and and Mark McGlaughlin ’16 will not are Mark McGlaughlin ’16 setting high standards be practicing with the team this swimmers for this season. year. Instead, the boys will practice getting really fast,” “I think it is really exciting and it with their club swim team, IFLY, in he said. “Even posting personal order to train for the 2016 Olympic bests in practice, which is crazy. means good things for the future of It’s awesome. Everyone’s working the team,” he said. Trials. As for Keen, he is focused on Keen qualified in the 200 freestyle really hard and I think it’ll come training hard and having fun and McGlaughlin qualified in the together.” Assistant coach Byron Butler with the team his last year. 50 and 100 freestyle and the 100 is working with these swimmers He said he’s looking backstroke. “[I’ll practice] a couple mornings to improve on technique and forward to the winter practices a week so I stay eligible [for high endurance, which he said will break school swimming], but train hopefully translate to more points with the team. “We’re just a mostly with IFLY to stay in shape in meets. “For the most part, f un-lov ing for trials coming the state level talent is group of up this summer, back,” he said. “Another g u y s ,” and also to see if strength for us is the fact h e that helps achieve that the guys have been something the really right in the middle of the lofty goals [coach] pack have improved over Miecznikowski has this year. They’ve gotten for me,” Keen said. Aidan Keen ’16 stronger, spent more “He definitely wants me to get the state record in the time in the water and are in better physical condition.” 200 [freestyle].” Top: Brennon Keen ‘18 Miecznikowski said Keen and McGlaughlin will only Middle: Lane Griffis ‘18 be competing in some away meets one reason the team is Bottom: Ethan McAreavy ‘18 during their regular dual meet so successful is the season. However, with the work emphasis put on the team is putting in at practice, working together they aren’t worried about points on all levels of the team, during the dual meets. “Mark and I are pretty big point whether it scorers, but it’s not up to just Mark be with and me, it requires the whole team,” junior Keen said. “I mean, we’ll probably lose a few points, but overall the team shouldn’t be affected that much.” Head coach Robert Miecznikowski said the coaches are looking towards the middle of the pack to make up for lost points in away meets, and to prepare for the bigger meets and invites. “ We’r e a little deeper than

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2015-12-18 by West Side Story - Issuu