Thursday, March 28, 2024

Cascade swimmer on a quest for state competition

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Cascade High School senior James Young is the lone Kodiak swimmer competing in 2A boys swimming in the 2018-19 season.

Young practices alongside the Eastmont High School's boys swim and dive team. He utilizes Eastmont's facilities and coaches through the co-op between the two schools.

Young, returning for his second year, is coming off a strong season where he finished the 50 yard freestyle in 23.71 seconds at the 2018 2A Boys State Swim/Dive Championships.

Young said he had always wanted to compete in high school swimming, but had to wait until his acquired his driver’s license. While the Cascade senior has been swimming all his life, he noted that competing at the high school level is different.

“On the first day of practice I wore outdoor goggles, which are tinted, and it was like I was almost swimming blind,” Young said, reflecting on his first day of practice as a junior. “It gave me an anxiety feeling.” 

Young said he enjoys swimming because he has to utilize his energy differently compared than other sports. He explained the swimming workouts are difficult, especially at the beginning of the season.

“The first few weeks are very challenging,” Young said. “I’ll ask myself,’ why do I enjoy this sport again?’ There are times when I have to stop and catch myself. It’s very challenging in keeping up with the other swimmers. Two weeks in, I realize what I’m here for and I have my goals.” 

Eastmont boys swim and dive Head Coach Darcy Bruggman, who coaches Young along with Cashmere’s Aster Dotson and Tyson Seidensticker, commended the Cascade athlete's dedication, work ethic and attitude. She added that Young respects the sport and the Eastmont athletes see him as a teammate 

Young said his senior season is going well so far. He has already qualified for districts in multiple events and is currently en route to another trip to state competition. During the first meet of the season, Young clocked in a 23.9 in the 50 freestyle.

Young said his goal is to not to just compete in the 50 freestyle event at the state championships, but to finish in the top eight. He would also like to compete in a second event at state.

“My 100 breaststroke is looking really good,” Young said. “I swam it once and I’m 3 seconds away from (qualifying for) the state time.” 

swimming, cascade high school

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