Joe Rowan's final season is wrapping up at South St. Paul. The senior holds the school record in the 200-yard freestyle and helped set another in the 400 freestyle relay.
What is the best movie you've seen in the past year? "The Avengers." I have always been sort of a superhero geek and how can a movie go wrong with seven superheroes in a single movie? It was very well done.
Three songs I never skip on my iPod ... "Hall of Fame" by Script is a great song. It makes me feel like I can do anything and that as long as I try hard I will be remembered. I enjoy "Iridescent" by Linkin Park. I like this song because it helps me remember to forgive and forget. I always have to listen to "Under Pressure" by Queen and David Bowie because it inspires me to take on each day with a positive attitude.
Three words or phrases my friends or teammates might use to describe me? Loyal, dedicated, fast.
At my first varsity practice, I felt ... surprised and excited because I was passing some of the junior and senior swimmers.
What is your goal for the rest of the swimming season? I want to be the first South St. Paul swimmer in eight years to be an all-state swimmer. The last guy [Trevor Miller] to make all-state in swimming at South St. Paul is a legend in South St. Paul swimming lore and I hope to join his ranks.
What is your favorite meal before a meet? "Mama McMuffins." My mom makes her own version of the breakfast meal -- Eggo waffles, ham, fried egg and syrup.
What is your most memorable moment as a high school athlete? The first time I broke the South St. Paul high school 200-yard freestyle [record]. I was ecstatic. I was like, "WOW! I'm actually fast!"
RON HAGGSTROM
