Varied point-scorers have Wash swimming ready for districts

MARION – It's the time of year when Chris Cruise melds a group of promising parts into a cohesive championship unit.

The Cedar Rapids Washington boys' swimming coach cites one tried-and-true successful ingredient for the Warriors, who vie for a phenomenal 53rd consecutive boys' swimming district championship Saturday at 12:30 at Linn-Mar Aquatic Center.

'Our kids work extremely hard during the course of the season,' Cruise said. 'One of the keys is their willingness to work and their acceptance of the fact that it is a lot of hard work in order to be successful. They've met that this year with a great attitude.'

Linn-Mar is one of six district sites, with winners and the 24 best times across the state in each event earning a spot in the Feb. 13 state meet at Marshalltown. Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Cedar Falls, Jefferson, Waterloo Swim Team, Decorah and Vinton-Shellsburg will also compete at Linn-Mar.

The Warriors are led by senior Nick Saulnier and junior Cameron Kelley, both threats to win any event they enter. Saulnier – a Minnesota signee – is a state meet qualifier in the 200-yard individual medley (2015 runner-up) and the 100 backstroke in each of his three varsity seasons, while Kelley ranks first in the state in the 500 freestyle after breaking the Mississippi Valley Conference record Jan. 23.

With two decorated point-scorers atop the lineup, Washington's hay is made in the district format by collecting points throughout its roster. Sustaining such a streak would not be possible without the contributions of valued underclassmen who take their competitive cues from the juniors and seniors.

'It's important to represent the school and the tradition that we've had for countless years,' Washington senior Matt Jackson said. 'More importantly, this is what we've been working for the entire season.'

Sophomores Kaleb Donels and George Durin, as well as freshman Jeremy Throndson, are having excellent seasons and will play key roles Saturday. Throndson has excelled in distance events throughout his varsity debut, while Donels (backstroke, IM) and Durin (100 free, breaststroke) both qualified for state in two individual events last year. A three-inch growth spurt has Durin standing 6-foot-2, and an exclusive focus on preseason swim training has him poised for a big finish.

'I feel like I've gained a lot of muscle, so strength and height,' Durin said. 'In the sprint events, I feel like it gives me a better edge.'

With a district meet also located in Iowa City, Washington won't lock horns Saturday with two-time defending state champion Iowa City West. The Trojans, City High and Williamsburg will compete at Mercer Park Aquatic Center.

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