Awards aplenty for successful Chisago Lakes boys swimming and diving squad

Team Accomplishments: 6-1-1 dual meet record Section 4A True Team Runner-ups Section 4A Runner-ups Section 4A Academic Champions

“This team worked their tails off in the water and weight room so the great taper at sections was inevitable,” Head Coach Mark Nordby said. “They really ate up the sprint training which required a strong sense of teamwork. Nearly every practice was intense where the guys pushed each other to achieve race-pace or faster speeds. I know days were tough but that type of daily mental and physical training paid off huge at the end.

“The second day of sections was surreal as the drops in time were amazing. It’s one of those special days that I’ll always remember and I know this team will also.”

INDIVIDUAL TEAM AWARDS
Team Captain Award: Seniors Avery Turman and Nathan Braski- These two led the team in practices by displaying a strong work ethic and by helping lead a lot of the dry land training.

Most Improved Varsity: Junior Jake Ewert- Jake worked much of the off-season swimming for The River Valley Dragons at the CL pool. He came into the season in great shape and it paid off.

Co-Most Improved JV: Freshmen Ben Steward and Colton Olson- Both these guys worked hard all season long and were very goal-oriented swimmers.

Rookie Award: Freshman Phil LaPlante- Phil tried the River Valley Swim Club this past summer and decided to give high school swimming a try. He picked up the strokes quickly and earned a varsity letter in just his first year. He’s a mentally tough athlete.

Utility Man Award: Junior Jake Ewert- Jake was shifted around into many different events depending on where we needed him. He’s a very versatile swimmer.

Most Valuable: Senior Avery Turman- Avery’s drive and determination could be seen in every practice and his energy in meets was contagious. He swam on all three state relays and an individual event.

Middle School Wildcat Award- 8th Grader Andy Gombold- Andy was a rock star this year. He pushed himself hard in practices but always supported his teammates.

Varsity Wildcat Award- Senior Aaron Wiger- Exactly one year after surgery to repair a dislocated patella, Aaron Wiger swam in the state meet in two relays. Aaron’s heart and courage inspired others and his positive attitude toward teammates, especially the younger guys was commendable. This award is much deserved by Aaron.

NSC All-Conference Awards: Jake Carlson (9) Riley Darling (10) Jake Ewert (11) James Falkowski (11) Avery Turman (12)

NSC All-Conference Honorable Mention Jake Doble (10) Zach Halfen (12) Aaron Wiger (12)

State Qualifiers Jake Doble (10) Riley Darling (10) Jake Ewert (11) James Falkowski (11) Zach Halfen (12) Austin Turman (9) Avery Turman (12) Aaron Wiger (12)

State qualifying and school record holders of 400 Freestyle Relay Avery Turman, Austin Turman, Aaron Wiger, and Jake Ewert Nordby announced his resignation at the end of the season, also, so besides replacing a bevy of talented seniors, the school is going to have to replace Nordby as the man in charge.