Swisher First Ever La Grange Swimmer to Make it to State
La Grange swimmer Ben Swisher has had such a great season in the pool that he’s recently qualified for the state swimming meet in San Antonio.
Swisher qualified in the 100 yard butterfly event and is the only Leopard swimmer to make it to state this year – and the only swimmer in La Grange history to grasp such an accomplishment.
“Ben is one of the most dedicated swimmers I have ever coached,” said La Grange head swimming coach Gretchen Ledwik. “He has a strong, competitive spirit and is a natural leader. He worked extra hard this season to perfect his stroke technique and work on endurance. He deserves this amazing honor.”
Swisher’s record book performance has made him our selection for this edition’s Athlete of the Week.
Question: What are you most looking forward to at the state meet?
Answer: “I’m mostly ready just to compete at that level.”
Question:Who’s a swimmer you look up to and why?
Answer: “I would say Ryan Lochte and (Michael) Phelps because they both overcame things from their past to get to where they are.”
Question: State is being held in San Antonio. Have you been there before and if you have, what are your thoughts on the city?
Answer: “We haven’t swam at that pool, but we have been to San Antonio for the past two meets for districts and regionals. It went really well both times. I really enjoyed it.”
Question: Who’s your favorite cartoon character and why?
Answer: “Daffy Duck. Childhood. He’s who I remember.”
Question: If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Answer: “Pizza”
Question: What’s a unique exercise swimmers use that the average person might not know about?
Answer: “There’s two main ones, but we’ll sometimes use parachutes behind us in the water to help increase drag. Then another one is just hit exercises, so high intensity intervals. We do a lot more fast-paced stuff.”
Question: If you could swim at any place of your choice, what would it be and why?
Answer: “Probably (Texas) A&M because I would be a legacy student because of my dad.”
Question:What’s your favorite sports team and why?
Answer: “I don’t really follow sports as much, but I guess A&M football.”
Question: Who’s a teammate you swim with the most?
Answer: “Probably Campbell Youens because she and I both share the same event, the 100 fly, so we train together a lot more.”
Question: How are you going to prepare for the state meet?
Answer: “We’re going to do a bit more training than usual and we’re going to extend it over the weekend because we haven’t had the chance because of the school delays.”
Swisher looks to keep his historic mojo going while representing La Grange on the biggest stage.