Caite Schaffel emerges as top state swimmer

MARION — Swimming was something Caite Schaffel started like most youngsters.

"To be honest, I just did lessons when I was young and enjoyed it," said the Linn-Mar freshman.

That led to her joining club programs and joining the Lions this season.

Two months into her high school career, Schaffel already has established herself as one of the state's best. Entering Saturday's regional competition, she has the state's best time in the 200-yard individual medley (2:05.70) and is second in the 100 breaststroke (1:04.27).

So did Schaffel see this kind of success coming when practices started in August?

"This season has been a roller coaster to say the least," she said. "Going into the season I didn't have very many expectations or hopes besides to just have fun and create new memories."

Some of those memories could include a state championship.

"Coming into the year, I knew we had a strong freshman class, but I didn’t realize just how talented the group would be as a whole," said Linn-Mar Coach Jayden Steffen. "Caite becoming one of our top swimmers wasn’t a surprise once I saw her swim in person.

"The transition from club swimming, which can often feel more individual, to high school swimming, which emphasizes the team aspect, can sometimes be challenging. Caite has embraced it and has truly flourished — she’s already establishing herself as a leader among her class, and I see that leadership continuing to grow throughout her high school career."

Steffen said Schaffel will swim her top two events on Saturday.

"Those are where she’s currently the strongest and most confident," Steffen said. "In future seasons, if she wants to explore different events, I’ll be more than happy to support that."

At this point of her career, Schaffel takes a fairly simple approach to her events.

"Honestly I don't really have a big thought process before each race," Schaffel said. "I just try not to get into my head too much so I just try to keep positive thoughts and think about the feedback my coach has given me.

"At big meets I do like to browse the competition and I always keep in mind that I have my own goals and times I want to achieve, but I do like knowing that there are people that are going to push me and be able to race."

Steffen cites Schaffel's versatility as her biggest strength.

"Caite is a well-rounded athlete both in and out of the water," Steffen said. "She has a very promising future in swimming if she chooses to pursue it."

And what would it mean to Schaffel to win a state title as a freshman?

"It would mean a lot to me to be able to represent Linn-Mar and be able to earn that title so early into my high school career," she said.

The Lions, ranked No. 10 in the latest power rankings, will be a part of the Ames regional, along with Cedar Rapids Jefferson as Gazette-area schools have been spread out, competing in four of the six regionals.

No. 6 Iowa City West is the top-ranked area team. The Trojans will compete at Marshalltown along with Iowa City High and Tipton. No. 5 Waukee is the top team in the field.

Cedar Rapids rivals Kennedy and Washington will be in the Waukee Northwest regional along with Vinton-Shellsburg and Williamsburg. The host school is ranked No. 3. Decorah will be at Mason City where top-ranked West Des Moines Dowling will be the big favorite. Dubuque Hempstead and Johnston are the other two host sites

The diving portion of the regionals will be held on Thursday, beginning at 5 p.m., with the swimming events set for noon Saturday.

All regional champions plus the next best 31 times posted throughout the season qualify for the state meet. However, athletes and relays can only qualify for state in the events entered at the regional meet.

The state meet is moving this year to Iowa City from Marshalltown. It is scheduled for Nov. 13-14 at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center at the University of Iowa.