Warriors Make Waves: Triumph Over Top Rivals in Home Swimming and Diving Showcase

BRAINERD — Kyler Carlson secured the Brainerd Warriors’ sole first-position finish on Friday, Dec. 27, but he mostly highlighted emerging teammates like Bennett Day.

Carlson’s triumph in the 50-yard freestyle, along with a second-place in the 100 freestyle, enabled the Warriors to outpace Class 2A’s ninth-seeded Waconia and Class 1A’s eighth-seeded Melrose/Sauk Centre, clinching the Holiday Invite at Brainerd High School.

Carlson improved by 0.21 seconds from his initial time

to win the 50 against Melrose/Sauk Centre’s Grant Eveslage in 22.81.

“The first 25 wasn’t ideal,” Carlson remarked regarding his 50. “I had to push hard to the finish. I didn’t breathe at all. It was some tough competition.”

Teammate Henry McCulley finished in fourth, while Grady Sumption took sixth.

In the 100 free, Carlson secured second place behind Waconia’s Jack Hackler, who claimed victory in 49.00. Carlson reduced his time further, achieving 49.96. McCulley finished fifth, and Logan Kuepers came in sixth.

“I attempted to keep pace with the Waconia swimmer and was with him for the first 75,” Carlson described regarding the 100. “My legs kind of gave way at the end. Competing against solid rivals was quite enjoyable.

“We have some talented swimmers this year. Our depth is significant, which is always beneficial. Several of our sophomores distinguished themselves. Bennett Day swam exceptionally well. He’s just in eighth grade. We have a lot of athletes who give their all in the water, and we really put in the effort today.”

Carlson anchored Brainerd’s 200 medley relay to a second-place finish. The Warriors team comprising Nathan Chaussee, Brooks Brichacek, Drew Haglin, and Carlson completed the event in 1:43.58, placing behind Waconia.

Carlson led off the Brainerd’s 400 free relay that included McCulley, Carter Dirckes, and Chaussee. This quartet also secured second place behind Waconia.

Though first-place wins were uncommon,

Brainerd’s strength in depth was abundant.

In the 200 freestyle, Kuepers achieved third place with a time of 1:57.12, followed by Dirkes in fifth and Drew Haglin in tenth.

Day finished fifth in the 200 IM after dropping 3.27 seconds. Brichacek placed ninth, and Jack Tatge was in tenth.

“The kids were exceptional today,” Warrior head coach Josh McKeag stated. “They performed wonderfully. In every event, we had someone ascend in rankings. Waconia is a strong team, but our athletes truly rose to the occasion.”

David Herath spearheaded the Warriors divers with a second-place score of 226.8. Weston Thiesse placed seventh, while Toby Bassett came in eighth.

Chaussee achieved his highest individual placement

in the 100 fly with a second-place time of 57.3, improving by 0.34 seconds from his previous mark. Drew Haglin finished in fifth, Payton Haglin sixth, and Gavin Raimann in tenth.

Day illustrated his tenacity in the 500 free by edging out Melrose/Sauk Centre’s Nolan Fleishhacker by 0.11 seconds for fifth place. Day shaved off 5.27 seconds. Dirkes secured seventh.

“Bennett had an outstanding swim,” McKeag reflected. “Everything he’s practicing is reflecting in the pool. We’re seeing that now. He’s incredibly consistent. Being under 50 at this point in the season is remarkable. That touch in the 500 free shows immense heart. That was fantastic. Witnessing a kid who really digs in and earns his success is inspiring.”

Chaussee secured third in the backstroke with a time of 56.01, followed by Sumption in sixth and Alex Kuepers in ninth.

Brichacek finished fourth in the breaststroke, with Tatge landing in eighth.

“This season has been incredibly enjoyable so far,” Carlson expressed. “We’ve had some fantastic meets and impressive races. Today’s victory boosts our confidence. Clearly, with Waconia being a ranked team, perhaps we can position ourselves among the top and demonstrate that we’re contenders.”

McKeag is enthusiastic about the idea of competing. He’s observing a significant shift in his team’s mindset and confidence.

“They’re beginning to develop that confidence and approaching races with a positive outlook,” he elaborated. “Just the attitude of being resilient, pushing through, and believing they can handle challenging scenarios.”

JEREMY MILLSOP can be contacted at 218-855-5856 or jeremy.millsop@brainerddispatch.com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jeremymillsop.