By Chris Bennett
Sports Correspondent
The Elks set the first brick in next season’s foundation Feb. 17 at the WIAA Division 2 State Swimming & Diving Championships in Madison at the University of Wisconsin Natatorium.
Coach Jamie Richardson said several swimmers started chatting during the ride home, discussing how to ensure the program makes a return trip to state.
“They’re all really excited for next year,” Richardson said. “It’s got that fire and desire planted in them, which is what you want.”
The Elks qualified for State in four events, and sent five swimmers out of competition Feb. 13 Saturday in a WIAA Division 2 sectional tournament at Whitefish Bay High School.
The winner in each event at the four Division 2 sectional meets advances to state, along with the next 12 fastest times state-wide. The Elks returned to state for the first time since 2014.
Logan Radlein finished second in the 100-yard butterfly in 56.29 seconds at the sectional meet and qualified. Radlein, Koepke, Willy Pinnow and Hunter Johnson finished third in the 400 freestyle relay (3:29.10). Hunter Johnson finished fifth in the 200 freestyle (1:50.39) and Koepke fifth in the 50 freestyle (23.06) to also qualify.
“I think they did well,” Richardson said of the Elks’ performances at state. “We were tapered for sectionals, to get to state. It was a great experience for my three freshmen, and the first time for my junior, Logan.”
Tapering is when competitors swim fewer laps prior to a big meet and focus on technique and reserving energy.
At state, Hunter Johnson finished 15th in the 200 freestyle (1:51.60) and Radlein finished 15th in the 100 butterfly (56.68).
Radlein, Koepke, Willy Pinnow and Johnson finished 15th in the 400 freestyle (3:31.07) and Koepke finished 16th in the 50 freestyle (23.35).
Richardson applauded the crowd of supporters in the stands that supported the Elks. Parents and teammates attended, and members of the Elks’ youth swim group made signs and cheered for the boys.
Richardson said at least seven to nine seniors competed in each event at state, which opens space for the young Elks at next year’s state meet.
The potential of the future especially encouraged those on the Elks who narrowly missed qualifying for state.
“Even the kids who missed by a little were excited to see what they could do next year,” Richardson said. “It’s always great to see that enthusiasm.”
In Division 2, Monona Grove won the state team title for the third consecutive season. Waukesha South/Waukesha Catholic Memorial won the Division 1 state team title, breaking Madison Memorial’s run of six straight titles. Madison Memorial finished second this season.
