Boys’ swimming: Tomahawk hosts Lakeland, travels to Shawano

TOMAHAWK – Last week, the Tomahawk High School boys’ swim team hosted Lakeland and traveled to Shawano for a double dual against Shawano and Rhinelander.

Coach Theresa L’Esperance said the Tomahawk swimmers had some great swims, one in particular during Parents Night. Bruce Peetz broke the longstanding 500 freestyle time of 5:13.55, held by Kole Svacina since 2019. Peetz swam a 5:11.55 for the new record.

“The fans at the pool began screaming with 75 yards to go, encouraging Bruce to increase his pace,” L’Esperance stated. “The cheering brought in basketball fans who heard the noise out in the commons area. It was very exciting.”

L’Esperance said the meet against Lakeland was held purely for sportsmanship with both teams. Lakeland had only two swimmers, due to injuries. The Hatchets divided up two sets of relays and swam with the Lakeland swimmers.

“Max Amelse stepped up to the blocks and swam the 100 breaststroke for a new standard in his swimming,” L’Esperance said. “Amelse has great technique and can swim any event, which is really needed when our roster is at nine.”

Eli Scott and Michael Lucas have improved in their freestyles enough to help create second relay teams, according to L’Esperance.

“Brock Fischer, as well, is contributing to the team with his constant work on his distance events, but is open to swimming the back to help create a B medley relay,” L’Esperance stated.

Sophomores C. Germano and A. Sigl continue to drop times in their sprinting events, and junior Assistant Captains D. DeKiep and T. Schumacker are great leaders by swimming any event needed, L’Esperance noted.

“DeKiep gave us our only win in the double dual by winning the IM in a time of 2:18.25, and Toby stepped back from his regular backstroke and swam the 500 freestyle with a time of 7:52.27,” she said.

On Saturday Jan., 24, the Hatchets will be swimming 10,000 yards each in one practice.

“In doing so, they will set themselves up for a fast finish come tournament time,” L’Esperance stated. “The team is asking for community support in their swims that day by asking for donations based on the yardage they can complete. Fans are welcome to stop by and watch the big event.”