Being a champion takes a lot of work and even more time and dedication, and during this past swim season, junior Will Erdtmann was able to win not one, but two events at the recent state championship swim meet.
Erdtmann had lots of supporters during the state championships, among those was the swim team coach Chrystena Ewen.
“Both were very exciting races that were neck and neck until Will pulled ahead in the end,” Ewen said. “I was yelling and cheering from the side of the pool and was very excited when he touched first.”
Ewen has noticed Erdtmann’s work ethic, whether it’s for the high school or club team.
“He has worked incredibly hard with us, as well as with his club team,” Ewen said. “He is always at our practice, but then also attends club practices a couple of days a week afterwards and on weekends.”
What Ewen notices the most wasn’t how Erdtmann swam, but how supportive of others he was.
(Photo used with permission by Will Erdtmann)
What also impresses me about is that he is an excellent teammate. When he is not swimming, he is at the end or side of the pool cheering.
For the state champion, Will Erdtmann, he talked about how good the victory felt in both events after a long swim season.
“There were a lot of ups and downs for me throughout the season,” Erdtmann said. “It ended on a high note at the state meet. After being so close for so long, I felt like I climbed to the top after stepping onto the first-place podium and hearing everyone cheering for me.”
For Erdtmann, there’s never really an offseason, and he is always swimming year-round.
“Outside of high school,” Erdtmann said. “I swim for a club team and I am at the pool almost every day throughout the year and going to different meets all over the place. The night before states, we all had a pasta dinner, which is a fun tradition, and making sure we eat well before the meet.”
Erdtmann’s motivation was to win for not just himself, but the school as well.
“I wanted to try and do something good for LHS,” Erdtmann said. “I also want to try and have swimming get some more attention, as our sport isn’t as publicized as some other winter sports like basketball and hockey.”
Whether it was excitement or a sign of respect, Erdtmann reflected many different emotions after his wins.
“During my first race, the 200 free, I knew I had won it on the last length of the pool, and I felt a wave of happiness rush through me,” Erdtmann said. “When I touched the wall, I looked at my time, and I splashed the water and pumped my fists. I then pointed to our section in the stands, as it wasn’t a win for me, but for the school as a whole. During my second race, the 100 fly, I was in a tight race with my friend from Bedford, and we both shattered our personal bests, and we shook hands and congratulated each other. I then got out of the pool and gave a heart to my mom, and celebrated the win with my team.”
