Xavier junior George Durin has had the opportunity to qualify for state the past three years. Durin swims for Washington High School and has been a key component for their team. Although Durin has competed in the state meet in the past, he took a different approach this year.

“I wasn’t as nervous this year compared to my freshman year,” Durin said. “I just went out and did my thing. I lifted a lot more and I improved on the little things, such as my stroke, start, and turn.”

Junior Carter Kramer competed at the state meet for Kennedy High School. It was Kramer’s first time swimming at state.

“It was an amazing experience for me to be able to swim at state,” Kramer said. “I enjoyed the fun atmosphere of it.”

State swimming was held Saturday, February 11 at the Marshalltown YMCA.

For Kramer, preparing for the state meet was a lot different compared to his regular season swim meets.

“Since this was my first ever state swim meet, there was more pressure on me to succeed,” Kramer said. “I wanted to live up to the expectations and do well.”

Kramer finished 22nd in the 50 freestyle and placed 17th in the 200 free relay. Durin placed 5th in the 50 freestyle and 5th in the medley relay. Durin also finished 4th in the 200 free relay.

“Even though I had more pressure on my swim races this year, it was a lot more fun and successful,” Durin said. “It felt really good. I wanted to do better, but I wasn’t upset once I saw that I made the podium.”

Durin and Kramer will use the offseason to prepare for next season. Kramer has some offseason goals he is working toward.

“I’m going to the weight room to lift weights, and I will attend swim club this summer,” Kramer said.

For Durin, he is going to take it easy for the spring, and work hard throughout the summer.

“I’m going to take a little break during the spring,” Durin said.

He plans to run track for Xavier in the spring to stay in shape.

“I’m going to lift a lot and swim during the summer,”  Durin said.

While next season will bring new challenges, both Durin and Kramer still have the same goal of making it back to state.

Mahlon Steepleton

Sports Writer