On Feb. 18 and 19, the BVN boys swim team attended the State Swim Meet in Topeka, where the collective group of qualified swimmers swam in both preliminary races and then proceeded to the finals. 

Senior Sam Peterson, a four-year swimmer for the Mustangs and state qualifier, reflected on the State swim meet.

“The state team this year was way bigger, probably one of the biggest state teams in Kansas,” Peterson said. “The energy this year was very different and we were definitely more focused, we swam really well at state.” 

Senior Alex Houts – team captain, four year swimmer and state qualifier- described how the State Swim Meet had differed from previous years. 

“State was way different this year. Last year the meet was not prelims so it was just a timed final,” Houts said. “Having a two-day meet is a lot more mentally and physically straining, but it’s more important because you really focus on prelims in order to get back to finals the next day.”

The preparation for the state meet included a two week long taper, where the boys prepared their minds and bodies for the mental toughness that they would soon endure during the State Meet. 

“Right after EKL [swim meet], we began a two week taper, where we did way less yardage and distance and focused on shorter distances with more intensity,” Peterson said. 

The team began the season with a loss to Blue Valley Northwest, following that, they beat Olathe East and Shawnee Mission East in different dual meets. SME and ONHS placed first and second at State, respectively.  Houts and Peterson said they were proud of the development of the team. 

“The most rewarding part of my season was watching my team grow and really improve throughout the season,” Houts said. “It was really cool to watch us go from a middle of the pack team to top three in the state.”

The team is known for their one of a kind traditions. Junior and state qualifier Davis Wetmore explains the background behind them. 

“Traditions have been passed down from the seasons in the past,” Wetmore said. “The boys seem to have more traditions than the girls. We make the freshmen get the ‘chopstick’ haircut, eating challenges and others, but they’re all approved by the freshmen and their parents.”

Although the 2021-2022 season came to an end, finishing third in state, the boys plan on continuing their efforts in order to progress for next season. 

“Next season, Rob wants us to win state, he believes that we could possibly be better next year, and hopefully get more depth,” Wetmore said.