Warriors Swim Well at State Meet

The dream had become a reality.

That was the feeling for a handful of members of the Muskego boys swimming team as they walked into the University of Wisconsin Natatorium in Madison for the WIAA Division 1 State Swim Meet on Saturday.

While it wasn’t the most decorated of days for the Warriors, who finished 18th in the overall standings with 34 points, they were just happy to be able to perform on the grandest of stages this state has to offer.

“You always wish you had more (victories), but I tell you, coming through our sectional, it’s a barn burner,” Muskego coach Larry Milton said. “I think our guys represent our area pretty well.

“Bottom line is, getting here is like icing on the cake. You work hard all year long, you do well, you get here and you’re with the elite of the state. I’m pleased anytime we’re up here and our kids represent Muskego.”

In the 500-yard freestyle, arguably Muskego’s strongest event, two Warriors finished in the top 10 with one landing on the podium.

Sophomore Patrick Walsh swam sixth in 4 minutes, 45.09 seconds and grabbed the Warriors' lone medal of the day. Freshman Joe Szczupakiewicz finished just three spots behind Walsh in 4:51.12.

The tandem also competed in the 200 freestyle, with Walsh finishing in 1:46.81 and Szczupakiewicz in 1:49.91, good enough for 11th and 20th, respectively.

The fact they are both underclassmen is not lost on Milton, and it’s something he hopes will give the team more confidence next year.

Competing at state at a young age, "becomes a contagious type thing,” Milton said. “They’ll go back home and they’ll say, ‘Wow, that screaming and yelling and all that stuff, I couldn’t believe it.’ A lot of these kids are club swimmers; they’ve swam in this pool for championships (before) but I don’t think at the same level and intensity. They’ll go back home … and it’s a snowball effect. These guys will go back home and build it up for the program.”

Senior Brian Roberts was the only other Warrior to compete individually and placed 22nd in the 100 free in 49.99.

In the relays, Walsh, Roberts and seniors Ben Wierzba and Austin Prichard combined for 18th in the 200 free and 14th in the 400 free.

While Muskego only walked away with one medal, Milton said there was no reason for his swimmers to hang their head after their performances Saturday.

“I’m very proud. This season was a fairytale,” Milton said. “It was a wonderful season. We lose nine seniors but that’s fine. We’ll stay where we are, we’ll work hard. The kids take pride in what they’re doing and I think that’s the whole thing is that our kids – it’s a fun season. It’s always fun when you win.”