Oswego East Student-Athlete of the Week-Chase Maier

Sophomore Chase Maier is not exactly a late bloomer as it relates to swimming, but his emergence this season as one of the top distance swimmers in the state has begun turning heads. Chase will be swimming in the state meet this weekend, and it is an attribute to not only his talent but his work ethic and competitiveness, which is why he is this week’s Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

Chase has always been a natural athlete who has never shied away from a sport or competition. “Chase has always been naturally athletic and excelled in any sport he played, including soccer, cross country, and even speed skating,” says Dave and Laura Maier, Chase’s parents.

Not only was Chase athletically inclined, but his relationships with his older siblings helped shape his competitive nature. “Even as a toddler, Chase was determined to do what his older siblings could,” says Dave and Laura. They add, “Chase refused to wear water wings in the pool because his siblings did not use them. He had no reservations about running fully clothed into a pool because if his siblings could swim, so could he.”

Chase started swimming for the Oswego Otters at age 6 but did not become serious about the sport until the 7th grade. It was then he learned the nature of competitive swimming, where he learned to excel as a distance swimmer. Once he arrived at Oswego East, Chase set his mark on becoming the best swimmer he could be. “Chase has always had a lot of determination,” says Dave and Laura. “Whether it’s an academic or an athletic goal, once he sets his mind on it, he does whatever he needs to do to accomplish it.”

Swimming between JV and varsity as a freshman last season, Chase’s hard work was rewarded with an opportunity to swim at the sectional meet in the 200-yard freestyle, placing 4th and missing the mark for the state meet by 2 seconds. While it remained an impressive showing for a freshman, Chase used it as motivation to improve. “I came into this season wanting to break some school records, and think I still can at the state meet this season,” says Chase.

Head Coach Erik Enslen agrees, saying, “Both of Chase’s swims (the 200 and 500 freestyle) place him second all-time for the school, and he is working towards breaking the record at the State Meet this weekend.”

It is not just this season, or school records, that Chase uses as motivation for his consistent improvement. He has his sights set on swimming at the Division 1 level, something Coach Enslen believes is more than possible. “I have seen other swimmers at his age that would eventually swim successful careers at the Division 1 level, and in my opinion, Chase is more talented than they were,” says Erik.

While Chase has the opportunity to etch his name in the Oswego Co-Op record books as only a sophomore, he does more than keep his head afloat when it comes to the classroom. He has earned a 3.5 cumulative grade point average and does not shy away from difficult courses such as Honors Principles of Engineering and Honors Algebra 2.

Taking rigorous courses in Math related courses is a necessary step to prepare himself for a future in mechanical engineering, the top choice of major for Chase in college. “Chase has always excelled in math, and he has always loved building things and understanding how things work,” says Dave and Laura.

Michael Dutton, Chase’s Engineering teacher, thinks he has what it takes to excel in the field, saying, “Chase is a hard worker and will keep working until he perseveres. I think he has an aptitude for engineering and a great work ethic that will make him successful. Perseverance and passion are all you need to keep you going towards what you are meant to do and who you are meant to be.”

Talent, hard work, and perseverance have set Chase up for an opportunity at the state meet this weekend, and Chase shows no signs of slowing down in his future. When asked what advice Chase would give to an incoming freshman at OE, true to character Chase advises them to, “put in all the effort you can for your future.” Chase’s efforts have already been rewarded in his early career, and if he continues on the path he has forged, there is no doubt his future will be just as bright.