Warriors on Cruise control

MARSHALLTOWN - In the world of Iowa high school swimming, Chris Cruise has done it all.

At Cedar Rapids Washington, he won an individual state title, a relay state title, swam on a state title team and coached a state championship.

Believed to be the only person in Iowa to accomplish all those things, he capped it last year when he coached his alma mater to its first state championship since 1997.

Washington, with Cruise at the helm, will attempt to add to its state record 27 team titles today at the Marshalltown YMCA Community Center pool. The first event is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.

"My accomplishments happened quite a while ago, so I take more pride and enjoyment in the coaching side of things," Cruise said. "I enjoy helping kids and working with kids. As great as it was to win championships as a team and an individual, from a swimming standpoint, last year's state meet was the biggest highlight for me."

Cruise swam on three state title teams at Washington under legendary coach Jim Voss from 1987 through 1989. He won the 100 breaststroke and 200 medley relay state championships in 1988 and 1989.

"It's pretty amazing. I don't believe there's anybody in the state who has accomplished that," Voss said. "He was a very committed swimmer. He was a quiet kid until it was time to light up, and he knew when that time was."

Cruise rose to the occasion at state. His swimmers also respond in big meets.

Last Saturday, the Warriors captured their 46th straight district title, outdistancing Dubuque Senior by 49 points. Two weeks earlier, the Rams rolled over Washington by 81 points at the Mississippi Valley Conference meet.

"Our guys were very focused. The district string is something our guys take pride in," Cruise said. "They have proven this season when they're focused they swim very well and do things we as a coaching staff don't expect from them."

Today's meet could be a battle between Washington and Ames, who are 1-2 in the Iowa High School Swim Coaches Association power rankings.

"We're a little down to Ames on paper and I don't know if we'll be able to make it up or if they will come back and help us out," Cruise said. "You can't overlook teams like Cedar Falls and Dubuque Senior, which will score good points at state. We will have to hold our positions and maybe get a break here or there.

"The medley relay is a big key. It will get us in the right frame of mind if we win that. Ames was No. 1 in that event until last week."

Washington qualified first, with Ames in second.

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Jim Slosiarek photos/The Gazette

 Cedar Rapids Washington's Luke Herny gets his head shaved by head coach Chris Cruise as John Sevier (background, seated) gets his head shaved Friday by assistant coach Matt Sinnott as the team holds a carbo-loading pasta dinner and shaving party on the eve of the state swimming meet.Cedar Rapids Washington coach Chris Cruise speaks with Ian Ford during practice at the school Thursday.