Having the opportunity to go to state is a big deal to many, but actually placing is an even bigger accomplishment. Liberty North’s swim team accomplished many goals at state. The time and practice the swim team put in, the dedication, and the effort they put in this season all contributed.

“We have been practicing everyday after school, and then before state, we started tapering which is cutting down yards that you do. Tapering helps makes things easier for you so your muscles are more relaxed for state,” sophomore Benjamin Mattes said.

To qualify for state requires much skill and hard work. One must maintain their work ethic throughout the season to continue to improve each meet.

“Something important to maintain during swim season is a healthy diet because it helps you with staying fit and lean for swim,” junior Peyton Gant said.

The boys beat Staley High School in Conference, which allowed each relay to qualify for state. They placed 16th in the 200 and 400 free relay, and sophomore Maxwell Meyer placed 12th in the 100 freestyle. This was the largest team brought to state, and junior Hayden Edwards was the first diver to advance to state.

“I think that I did good at state because I did not expect to make finals, but I did so that’s good,”  Meyer said.

Now that the season is over, the boys are planning on sleeping, working out, and enjoying their time off. However, sophomore Benjamin Mattes is planning on returning to swim very soon.

  “I am going to take a break for now before I start swimming for club, and then when that comes around, I will be swimming even more,” Mattes said.