Prior Lake boys' swimming re-arms for another run at state

The Prior Lake boys' swimming team had its best season in 30 years in 2013-14. Now, it's trying to build off those achievements.

"A lot of younger kids are becoming interested in swimming now. They want to give it a try," said Lakers junior Marshall Heskin, who is the Class 2A defending state champion in the 100-yard butterfly and played an instrumental role in the Lakers finishing sixth in the state meet a year ago. "We are building high expectations for the next couple of years."

The Lakers have had only one other top-10 finish in the past decade, taking ninth place in 2011-12. They finished fourth in the state during the 1983-84 season.

"With the state experience we have on the team this year, we should be able to compete well throughout the season and at the state meet again," Haycraft said. "These young men are very talented, and hard workers."

The Lakers broke five of their 12 team records a year ago, thanks largely to Heskin. He owns the school mark in the 100 butterfly (49.99 seconds) as well as the 50 freestyle (21.34).

"Marshall's not extraordinarily confident, but he's talented," Haycraft said. "When he becomes more mature, he will be even better."

Heskin also contributed to all three school relay records, two of which were established last year. They were the 200 medley (1 minute, 35.57 seconds) and 200 freestyle (1:26.26). The 400 freestyle relay mark (3:14.73) was set in 2012.

Unlike most, Heskin took a lot of time off after the season. He stayed away from the pool for five to six months.

"I didn't see any reason to push myself to extreme limits," Heskin said. "I noticed more muscle growth during my time off. It felt good to be out of the water."

Heskin also realizes he will play a more prominent role on this year's squad.

"I definitely want to defend my title in the 100 butterfly and find another event to qualify in at the state meet," Heskin said. "If I could win two state championships, that would be phenomenal."

The other record to fall last season was the 100 breaststroke (58.64) by Carter Francis, who graduated.

"We may be a little weak in breaststroke this year, but we'll make up for it in our freestyle events," Haycraft said.

Heskin's classmate, Alex Leff, is also part of those 200 medley and 200 freestyle relay records. Two other juniors, Jack Dessler and Craig Robrock, participated in the state meet last season.

Haycraft is also counting on three underclassmen to play a big role in the Lakers' success this season. They are sophomore Colin Dwyer, freshman Jeremy Kalinowski and eighth-grader Sean Dwyer.

"We're a talented team but still struggle getting top-notch swimmers," Haycraft said.

The future looks bright, though, for the Lakers. They have only four seniors on the roster this season. They are Nick Allan, Matt Anderson, Zak Jung and Caleb Torvik.

"We graduated three state participants last year who helped us to score quite a few points at the state meet," Haycraft said. "We are looking to replace them quickly and get back to the state meet again."

Ron Haggstrom • 612-673-4498