The Parkway Central Boys Swim and Dive team made history last fall, claiming their third consecutive state championship.Despite facing a significant challenge of the ongoing renovation of their home pool, they are looking to claim their fourth.
Led by a seasoned group of seniors and strong junior leadership, the team is proving once again that commitment, adaptability, and team chemistry are key ingredients to success. Senior Brody Blatt returns as one of the most winning swimmers, having won second place in the 200 yard freestyle and 500 yard freestyle at state.
“It’s really awesome to swim for your team knowing you’re doing it for something bigger than yourself,” Blatt said. “High school swim puts a huge emphasis on team success, and that’s what drives us.”
The team has had to adjust to training off-campus, practicing at Principia School, due to the ongoing renovations of Parkway Central’s pool. According to Athletic Director Brian Guilfoyle, the decision to relocate was based on availability and scheduling convenience.
“With Principia, we’re able to get in there right away, right after school,” Guilfoyle said. “It really kind of worked out well for us.”
While the off-site practices present logistical challenges, the athletes have stayed focused thanks to a tight-knit team culture and strong motivation from their coach, Andrew Schonhoff. Senior Noah Hoffman is coached by Schonhoff by both swimming and water polo.
“Our coach generally gets in and swims with us, and it pushes most kids on the team because they don’t want a grown man beating them in swim sets,” Hoffman said. “It definitely keeps us on our toes.”
Despite losing key seniors from last year’s squad, returning swimmers have stepped up, according to junior Winston Reese.
“Last year we had some big seniors that were major players,” Reese said. “But this year, we’ve had a lot of guys step up and become better.”
Among those stepping up is junior Connor Muran, another team captain and standout swimmer in the 200 IM and 100 breaststroke.
“My main goal this season is to be a leader for the newer kids,” Muran said. “I want to make sure everybody fits in well and has a good time, because that’s what helps us all perform our best.”
The championship victory comes as the team continues to eye improvements, not only in the pool but for the pool itself. Renovations are on track to be completed by December, just in time for girls swim season.
“The entire facility is basically going to be new for our swim team,”Guilfoyle said. “It’s not 100% brand new, but it will look like it is, with a resurfaced pool deck, new tile work, improved walls and ceilings, and a non-slip surface.”
No matter there home facility circumstances, they are still a tight knit group.
“We’ve been swimming competitively together for years,” Hoffman added. “But what really makes this team special is how close we all are, in and out of the pool.”
