Rosemount swimmer sets sights on tops at state

In 2008, freshman Conor Manning faced a difficult decision: Play high school basketball at Rosemount, where his father coached, or join the swimming and diving team, where twin brothers Nick and Nate were captains.

The youngest Manning son chose swimming, staying on a path where he felt his potential was highest.

"My dad coached my basketball team when I was younger, so there was some sort of pressure to play basketball," Manning said. "But ultimately my dad supported me in my decision because he could see the success I could have."

Last season, Manning's team placed seventh at the Class 2A state meet, where he swam the 50-yard freestyle and was part of the 200 medley relay and 200 and 400 freestyle relays.

Now the second year co-captain and four-time All-State recipient is focused on a higher standard for his senior campaign.

"We're not accepting mediocre times," he said. "We know we could be a great team, and we're competing for a top three finish at state this year."

Some additional insights:

A Last year's state swim meet, when the 200 medley relay team I was on placed second in state and getting an automatic All-American time standard.

Q What are you working on in the offseason?

A This year, I focused on my kicking, which was a huge part of why I wasn't as fast as I wanted to be last year at the end of the season.

Q What are your goals for the 2011-12 school year as an athlete?

A I would like to place top two in state as a team, and hopefully get a first place finish in the 200 medley relay.

A I usually don't get focused because then I get too nervous, so I just mess around a lot.

Q The best movie I've seen in the last year?

A Super Eight

Q At my first varsity practice, I felt ...

A A little overwhelmed, but once we started swimming, I wasn't really able to focus on anything else because it was more intense than I was used to.

A My parents forced me to swim in middle school because my brothers swam in high school. I actually used to hate swimming, and I didn't know how to dive until half way through freshman year.

Q Your school's biggest rival, and why?

A I'd say Eden Prairie because they are one of the top teams in state, and it is always fun to have a good competitive meet.

Q How do you balance school and sports during the year?

A I have realized that sleep isn't always necessary.

A The Tremendous Twelve from Perkins

Q Your favorite college or pro sports team and why?

A Oregon because they have sick jerseys.