Hudson Struggles Without Its Top Weapon at WIAA State Swim Meet

When it rains it pours.

That had to be the feeling for the Hudson boys swimming team as they were getting ready for the Division I State Swim Meet at the University of Wisconsin Natatorium in Madison Saturday afternoon.

Before the team even got on the bus for the trip south, they knew they would be without the services of junior Charlie Skinner who didn’t make the trip for a personal reason, according to coach Joe Smolinske.

Then, while swimmers from every team were warming up in the crowded pool, another Raider went down as he was accidentally kicked in the face. Thankfully for the Hudson faithful who made the trip, he was cleared by the medical staff on hand and was still able to participate.

The rest of the afternoon just seemed to have a cloud hanging over it though for the Raiders as they were only able to muster three team points out of the day and place 33rd overall.

“We weren’t able to go as fast as we wanted to (today),” Smolinske said, “but the guys prepared all season, they battled, they’ve had a rough week this week but they came out and had fun today, and that’s what’s important.”

Without Skinner, the Raiders were already missing their most effective weapon.

The junior qualified for the top heat in the 200 individual medley and just out of the top eight in the 100 butterfly.

Take away those two races and the Raiders suddenly only had three competitions remaining on their schedule.

Said Smolinske, “(Skinner) is obviously a big part of our team and it would’ve made a difference but people have to step up when other people are out.”

In the events they were able to compete in, the Raiders struggled to hit their stride.

Sophomore Lucas Rukavina finished 24th in the 500 freestyle in 5:11.84.

Rukavina then teamed up with seniors London Walsh,Winter Jorgensen and Luke Wusterbarth in the 400 freestyle relay where the team finished in 3:29.50, good enough for 22nd place.

The brightest spot on the afternoon for Hudson came in the 200 freestyle relay where the same combination of swimmers were able to grab 15th place, swimming in 1:31.51.

Despite the sour note at the end, coach Smolinske said he was very proud of histeam’s effort and results this season.

“We were first time runner-ups in the Big Rivers Conference and in our own section, which, according to most of the parents who have been with the program for over a decade, we’ve never done before,” Smolinske said. “A tremendous amount of success this year, and I’m just proud of all the guys on the team. All the way through, they’ve all pulled together, they worked really hard this year and I’m excited for next season.”