Last shot at an individual state title starts at districts Saturday for Washington’s Andrew Seifert

Andrew Seifert is another in a long list of Cedar Rapids Washington boys swimming standouts.

The senior has had a stellar career and will finish as one of the best to have hit the water for a Warriors program that has won 27 state titles.

However, there is one thing that had eluded Seifert — an individual state championship.

Washington swimmers (and divers when it was sanctioned for boys in Iowa) have accounted for approximately 80 individual championships and numerous other relay titles since the program began in 1958.

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Seifert begins his quest for that elusive title on Saturday when six district meets will be held around the state, beginning at noon. Seifert and his Warrior teammates will be part of the district at the Linn-Mar Aquatic Center where No. 3 Linn-Mar is a heavy favorite to take the team title.

The fastest 32 individual swimmers and 24 relay teams from district competition will qualify for state, That meet is set to be held for Feb. 13-14 at the University of Iowa’s Campus Recreation & Wellness Center in Iowa City.

Washington Coach Matt Sinnott says Seifert would be on the "Dream Team of Warrior Swimming. His times in several events are the fastest in school history and, in Sinnott's eyes, Seifert's impact right up there with former Washington greats Robbie Cook, Chris Cruise and Jon Strother.

"The only difference between him and (those three guys) is that they all have a state title to their resume," Sinnott said of Seifert. "He has worked hard. He's been dedicated to his craft. He has been raising the standards of excellence that is Warrior Men's Swimming."

For Seifert, who will continue his career next year at Dordt University, his main concern right now is Saturday's district meet. He has the state's top times in the 100-yard freestyle, 100 breaststroke, 200 individual medley and is second behind Linn-Mar's Parker Macho in the 100 butterfly.

"Looking at the district meet, for me, I’m going to try to get some good times out there and set myself up in a good position for state," Seifert said. "I’m also going to test some things out. The district meet gives me a great opportunity to swim fast but also it gives me a week to change some things about my races if I need to."

Last year Seifert and Macho had great races at both the district and state meets. Seifert won the 200 IM at the district meet with Macho turning the tables at state. Macho also won the 100 butterfly at state while Seifert was second in the 100 breaststroke. Macho is ranked just behind Seifert in the 200 IM Along with the 100 butterfly, Macho is No. 1 in the 50 free and has state best times in the 50 freestyle and 100 backstroke.

Because entries are not due until right before the meet, it still is not known if the two standouts will be going head to head. Seifert has great respect for the Lion star.

"I have the privilege of training with Parker Macho in the offseason and we swim really well when we are competing with and also against each other," he said. "I’m really looking forward to competing against him again and I know it will push both of us to be better athletes and young men. "

Sinnott said his district plan for Seifert will be based on his strengths.

"I don't worry too much about what other schools may do with their lineup because I have faith in him," said the fifth-year Washington coach. "He has faith in me and the coaching staff that we will put him in the best position to be successful."

No matter the results over the next two weeks, Seifert will cherish the memories of his prep career.

"God has blessed me with an incredible four years swimming for the Washington Warriors," he said. "No team in Iowa has the history or culture that we do and it has been an honor to be a part of that."

Complete list of district sites and assignments.

At Linn-Mar: Burlington, CR Jefferson, CR Kennedy, CR Washington, IC High, Linn-Mar, Pleasant Valley, Vinton-Shellsburg, Williamsburg

At Johnston: Centerville, DM Roosevelt, IC West, Indianola, Johnston, Ottumwa, Oskaloosa, Southeast Polk

At Mason City: Algona Garrigan, Ankeny, Decorah, Fort Dodge, Mason City, Spencer, Waterloo, WDM Valley

At Ames: Ames, Boone, Carroll, DM East, DM Hoover, Marshalltown, Newton, WDM Dowling

At Dubuque Senior: Bettendorf, Cedar Falls, Clinton, Davenport Central, Davenport West, Dubuque Hempstead, Dubuque Senior, Muscatine, North Scott

At Waukee: Atlantic, CB Lewis Central, DM Lincoln, DM North, Grinnell, Sioux City, Waukee, Waukee Northwest