Last spring, after collecting medals in two events at the state swimming and diving meet for the second consecutive year, Will Quackenbush thought he might be done with swimming.
"Honestly, I was burned out and tired," said Quackenbush, a senior at Mounds View. "I had been swimming the 200 and 500 freestyles since fifth grade, my entire swimming career."
Quackenbush, who has been on the Mustangs varsity since eighth grade, made a change.
"I joined a new club," Quackenbush said. "The coach suggested I try sprint events."
The switch of events has rejuvenated Quackenbush.
At this year's state meet, Quackenbush will compete in four events — 50 freestyle, 100 breaststroke, 200 medley relay and 200 freestyle relay. At the Class 2A, Section 4 meet last Saturday, he won both his individual events — the breaststroke in a section-meet record of 57.27 seconds — and the Mustangs won both relay events.
"Will expressed interest in swimming other events than just the 200 and 500 freestyle this year, but it wasn't an easy choice, per se," Mounds View coach Chris Yauch said. "I think his own passion for swimming and devotion to making every moment of practice count were what ultimately led him to his successes already, and I expect that he will again perform well at the upcoming state meet. His consistent hard work shows in his times and how much time he's dropped since resting for the end of the season."
Quackenbush said he's excited for the meet.