Linn-Mar sophomore Parker Macho continues progress as one of Iowa’s top swimmers

MARION — Parker Macho’s potential began to show at the end of last season.

As his freshman swimming season at Linn-Mar came to a close, Macho showed up big at the state meet, finishing fifth in the 100-yard butterfly. He also was part of the Lions runner-up foursome in the 200 medley relay.

Macho’s trajectory has continued in his sophomore season. He enters Saturday’s district meet at Linn-Mar Aquatic Center with the state’s best time in the 200 individual medley (1:52.55) and is third in the 100 breaststroke and 100 butterfly.

Even though Ian Hoover-Grinde is only in his first year of coaching the Lions, he knew of Macho's potential.

“I obviously didn't start coaching him until this year but I have known his family my entire life,” Hoover-Grinde said. “From what it looks like, much of his progress this year is simply growing and maturing which has allowed him to train a little harder.”

Macho and the Lions, No. 4 in the power rankings, are big favorites to win the district title. Saturday’s meet is one of six around the state, all beginning at noon, that will finalize the field for next weekend’s state meet at the University of Iowa’s Campus Recreation & Wellness Center in Iowa City.

Metro schools Cedar Rapids Jefferson, Cedar Rapids Kennedy and Cedar Rapids Washington, along with Vinton-Shellsburg are the area teams in the field.

Macho credited his work with teammates at Linn-Mar and his club team, the Iowa City Flyers (I-Fly), for his growth as a swimmer.

“I've just been working with my guys at practice,” he said. “I’ve been working on my technique, turns, underwaters and starts off the block.”

He also said competing against elite swimmers from around the country as an I-Fly team member also has been valuable.

“Heck yeah, that has been big for me,” Macho said. “They are all such good swimmers. Looking at their technique and how they do it inspires me to do what I need to do.”

Versatility is another strength Macho brings to the Lions.

“I am really pleased that he has been able to fill any role I have put him in this year,” Hoover-Grinde said. “I think that whatever I do at state with him he will do the same thing there.

“The more experience you get with racing you know how you can handle yourself in certain situations. That helps you know what you have to do to get your hand on the wall first.”

No. 10 Iowa City West and Iowa City High will be swimming in the Johnston district along with Williamsburg while Decorah will be in Mason City where top-ranked Cedar Falls will be the favorite.

2024 IHSAA boys’ swimming district assignments

At Linn-Mar: Burlington Cedar Rapids Jefferson, Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Cedar Rapids Washington, Grinnell, Keokuk, Linn-Mar, Vinton-Shellsburg

At Johnston: Centerville, Des Moines Roosevelt, Iowa City High, Iowa City West, Johnston, Oskaloosa, Waukee, Williamsburg

At Mason City: Ankeny, Cedar Falls, Decorah, Fort Dodge, Marshalltown, Mason City, Spencer, Waterloo

At Ames: Ames, Boone, Carroll, Des Moines Lincoln, Indianola, Newton, Ottumwa, Sioux City

At Dubuque Senior: Bettendorf, Clinton, Davenport Central, Davenport West, Dubuque Hempstead, Dubuque Senior, Muscatine, Pleasant Valley

At West Des Moines Valley: Atlantic, Council Bluffs Lewis Central, Des Moines East, Des Moines Hoover/North, Southeast Polk, West Des Moines Dowling, West Des Moines Valley