Linn-Mar swimmer Ian Steffen works hard to be among best

MARION — It's easy to sometimes overlook Ian Steffen's talent.

As a part of a Linn-Mar boys’ swim team that includes NCAA Division I recruits Aiden Carstensen and Cooper Callahan, Steffen's accomplishments can get lost in the shuffle.

Lions Coach Tom Belin said the junior is comfortable with his role.

“Ian has quietly become one of the better swimmers in the state,” Belin said. “It suits his personality and who he is. He is not one to seek the spotlight, but Ian relishes the opportunity to have those guys make him better.

“Cooper and Aiden are lucky to have someone so selfless as a teammate, In turn, they realize he makes them better, too.”

Steffen and his teammates will be in action on Saturday, competing in one of the six district meets being held around the state. The No. 4-ranked Lions are the heavy favorite to win the team title in the eight-team meet they are hosting at the Linn-Mar Aquatic Center, beginning at noon.

Top-ranked Iowa City West has been assigned to the Dubuque Hempstead district where the Trojans also are heavily favored.

Having the opportunity to train with Carstensen and Callahan on a daily basis has helped push Steffen. He finished sixth at state last year in the 100-yard backstroke and was on a pair of top-five finishing relays.

“I think that it’s been very helpful swimming with Cooper and Aiden,” Steffen said. “I know that racing against them has pushed me to be a better swimmer and in return, I've also pushed them to be better and I'm grateful for that.

“To me, friendly competition is something that I really enjoy about the sport and that's no different with Cooper and Aiden. I’ve enjoyed swimming with them these past three years.”

Steffen began swimming competitively at age 8 and his work ethic has become his trademark.

“Ian’s picture should replace any definition of hard worker,” Belin said. “No one works harder at becoming the best he can be. He always looks for ways to get better.

“There have been times I have had to force him out of the pool. He’s an athlete that always wants to do one more set or work on improving technique.”

Entering Saturday's district meet, Steffen has the third-best times statewide in the 100 freestyle and 100 backstroke. His goals for Saturday are to have the team qualify in as many events as possible for state, but he does have some individual goals.

“Something I also want for districts is to improve my times in my events so I can see where I'm at time-wise this year (entering the state meet),” he said.

Belin said Steffen, who has plans on continuing his swimming career at an NCAA Division I school, has the ability to be a state champion.

“He’s ranked as one of the better swimmers in the state in almost all individual events,” Belin said. “The prize is state, and our boys have been focused on setting themselves up for a good finish.

“Ian, Cooper and Aiden will likely need to continue their own team competition at districts to set themselves up for a fantastic finish to the season.”

District assignments

At Linn-Mar: Cedar Rapids Jefferson, Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Cedar Rapids Washington, Keokuk, Linn-Mar, Marshalltown, Oskaloosa, Vinton-Shellsburg

At Dubuque Hempstead: Cedar Falls, Clinton, Decorah, Dubuque Hempstead, Dubuque Senior, Iowa City High, Iowa City West, Waterloo

At Davenport Central: Bettendorf, Burlington, Davenport Central, Davenport North, Davenport West, Muscatine, Pleasant Valley, Williamsburg

At Fort Dodge: Ames, Boone, Carroll, Fort Dodge, Mason City, Sioux City, Spencer, West Des Moines Dowling

At Johnston: Atlantic, Des Moines East, Des Moines Roosevelt, Johnston, Indianola, Newton, Ottumwa, Waukee

At Southeast Polk: Ankeny, Centerville, Des Moines Hoover/North, Des Moines Lincoln, Grinnell, Lewis Central, Southeast Polk, West Des Moines Valley