Warriors Make Waves: Holiday Break Doesn’t Dampen Boys Swimming and Diving Spirit

BRAINERD — Nathan Chaussee and the Brainerd Warriors are aligning themselves.

For Chaussee, it’s about a quicker start or improved technique, even additional rest if possible. For his companions, it was about enjoying themselves during the holiday recess, but not excessively so.

The Warriors seemed to strike the perfect balance of enjoyment as they emerged from the break to defeat Alexandria 107.5-78.5 for a Central Lakes Conference triumph on Thursday, Jan. 2, at the Brainerd High School Aquatic Center.

“This time of year is always challenging,” Warriors head coach Josh McKeag remarked. “Everyone wants to have a good time during the holiday festivities. It’s a pleasant period, but we are figuring out how to manage it. I was quite anxious because Alexandria is a strong squad. We faced some challenging contests, but once more, the guys came through and surprised me.”

Chaussee

claimed victory in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 56.19, but was not completely pleased. He secured second in the butterfly event with a time of 57.25, yet felt he could have performed better.

“I believe my backstroke is progressing nicely,” Chaussee noted. “I just need to concentrate on my start significantly. In the butterfly, I think I must dive in more swiftly. I feel like I have excess energy at the end. I just need to harness that energy at the start of the race. In training, I’ve been emphasizing my start a lot. It’s improving, but it’s not quite there yet.”

Chaussee qualified for state last year, but said he did not perform as well as he had hoped. His aim is to return and enhance last year’s experience. Perhaps break one or two school records in the process.

Chaussee also aided Brainerd’s 200 medley relay to victory. The senior commenced the relay with a split of 26.00. Brooks Brichacek, Drew Haglin, and Kyler Carlson concluded the event with a time of 1:42.95, nearly three seconds ahead of Alexandria’s top relay.

“I think that medley is going to perform quite well,” Chaussee stated. “We lost our breaststroke swimmer from last year, but we have his younger brother and he’s very talented. I believe we’ll be contenders at state. We’ll definitely be in the running.”

Chaussee, Henry McCulley, Carter Dirkes, and Carlson

wrapped up the meet with a winning time of 3:35.33 in the 400 freestyle relay. Chaussee swam the third leg in 55.21. Usually anchoring the relay, he mentioned he could have benefited from an extra minute of rest after completing the backstroke two events prior.

“I prefer the other way,” Chaussee said with a cheeky smile. “I get more rest that way. It’s not a significant amount of extra rest, but it feels like a lot to me.”

McKeag understands Chaussee’s sentiments, yet there’s a rationale behind the choices made.

“For him, it’s a change in mentality,” McKeag conveyed. “He has consistently encountered difficulty transitioning from the backstroke to the 400 relay. There’s a difference I’ve noticed in him this year as compared to previous years. When he goes up, he looks uneasy and is aware it’s going to be tough, but he gets focused, forms a smile, and manages to get it done.

“I chose Kyler for anchor to see what he could achieve, but once more, it’s about Nate’s mindset. Sometimes it’s beneficial for him to swim third because it keeps him alert.”

Carlson was a dual winner

as he triumphed in the 50 freestyle with a time of 22.85, while McCulley tied for second with a time of 24.41. The same outcome occurred in the 100 freestyle as Carlson won in 49.66 and McCulley came in second with 53.31.

“The primary focus we are addressing is race-pace specifics,” McKeag commented. “We train diligently to perfect our turns, refine our underwater technique, and everything off the blocks. We’re merely striving to establish that race-pace speed so we can consistently perform at that level.

“I believe it significantly boosts the guys’ confidence when they compete and swim a bit faster. When they face strong competition, it inspires everyone. At this stage of the season, with the conference being so competitive, Alexandria and Sauk Rapids will pose tough challenges.”

Brainerd’s major point scorer

emerged in the 500 freestyle. Logan Kuepers secured first with a time of 5:21.24. Bennett Day placed second while Carter Dirkes took third. Kuepers added a second-place finish in the 200 free, followed by Dirkes in third.

Day came in second in the 200 individual medley, with Brichacek finishing third.

David Herath finished third in diving. Grady Sumption placed second behind Chaussee in the 100 backstroke. This was followed by a second from Brichacek in the 100 breaststroke and a third from Jack Tatge.

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

Key: Brainerd secured victory in six events and achieved first, second, and third placements in the 500-yard freestyle

Conference: Brd 2-0, Alex 1-1.

Overall: Brd 2-0, Alex 1-1.

Next: Brainerd will face Bemidji at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 7.