Zenner just finished his prep swimming career with his fourth consecutive appearance in the Class 2A state meet. A closer look at Zenner, who was also a quarterback on the football team in the fall and will run track this spring:
Q The best movie you've seen in the last year?
A "The Hobbit."
Q Three songs you never skip on your iPod are …
A ... "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell; "Sunshine & Whiskey" by Frankie Ballard, and "Closing Time" by Semisonic.
Q Three words or phrases friends or teammates would use to describe you are …
A … friendly, passionate and caring.
Q How did you get started in swimming?
A My gym teacher Mrs. [Joyce] Komorouski … saw me in the hall one day and told me I should go out for swimming. I agreed and have been swimming ever since.
Q At my first varsity practice you felt …
A ... like I was going to pass out. It was the hardest thing I had done up to that point in my life.
Q To get focused for a meet, you …
A ... take a nap and chill out. Listen to classical music.
Q What is your most memorable moment as a high school athlete?
A Performing in the Class 2A swimming state meet last year. [Zenner took sixth place in the 50-yard freestyle and was a member of the Wildcats' 200 medley and 400 freestyle relay teams which finished fifth and 10th, respectively.]
Q How do you balance school and sports during the year?
A I plan out my nights during the day. Also, staying away from my phone and iPad helps my get my stuff done in half the time.
Q Name one sport you wish you could participate in that you don't?
A Hockey. I never played it as a kid. I recently started playing and I love it.
Q Best sports advice you have ever received?
A The best coach I've ever had once told me, "You're worth it."
RON HAGGSTROM