Junior David Barren prepares to launch off the starting blocks. Chris Heermann’18/Media editor

The CA boys swim team had a superlative 2017-2018 state meet, taking third place overall. On Thursday, February 22, twenty-four swimmers competed in each event, and the top 16 moved on to the Finals on Friday, February 23. After Prelims, the Vikes moved on in 8 out of 11 events.

The team started off the meet with a bronze medal in the 200-medley relay from juniors Eric Devore, Jacob Eismann, and Jack Campbell, along with sophomore Mike DeAscentis. 

The Vikings’ success continued as DeAscentis placed 7th in the 500 freestyle.

Senior Max Dreisbach capitalized on his final state meet, getting onto the podium in both of his individual events. After placing 3rd in the 200 free and 7th in the 100 butterfly, Dreisbach prepared for his final high school race: the 400 freestyle relay.

Campbell, DeAscentis, Dreisbach, and Eismann were seeded 2nd by less than a second with a time of 3:10.54 at prelims on Thursday. So, going into the last race of the night, the boys felt the high intensity, knowing the contest would likely come down to the wire. They converted their excitement into adrenaline and took the 400 free state title with a blistering time of 3:06.95. A school record!

Eismann, however, did not only win gold in the relay, but also took first in the 100 backstroke. He placed third in the 100 freestyle as well.

The Vikes will miss the contributions of this strong senior class, but a wealth of young talent should have them excelling at states again next year. Congratulations to all of the swimmers for their extraordinary season.