March 8, 2023 at 1:04 p.m.
Hodag swimmers celebrate a season of success
Hodag swimmers celebrate a season of success
The Hodags put a bow on their WIAA Division 2 state championship campaign with their year-end banquet at the Cedric A. Vig Outdoor Classroom. There was plenty of time to reflect upon the first boys' swimming team state title in program history, but the overall theme of the night was one of gratitude.
"All those little things made the season so special," coach Jenny Heck said. "I'm forever grateful for all of you. It was a moment in time that I'll never forget. I'm couldn't be more proud."
There was one thing the night was devoid of - individual awards. The team did not present traditional awards such as most valuable, most improved, most dedicated and the like. Coach Heck said that just did seem right considering how vital of a role all 10 members of the team played in this year's state title.
"Our theme of this year was team and we did this all together," she said. "We started this way, we're going to finish this way. If one of these pieces was missing, the year would not have existed the way it ended up."
Instead, all 10 swimmers received a framed picture of the team with the state championship trophy, to go along with the varsity letters, all-conference awards and sectional and state medals they earned in the pool.
In her remarks, coach Heck reiterated something the team has said during and after its march to the state title - the secret to the Hodags' success was each swimmer's ability to put team goals ahead of individual ones.
"I just think that having a common goal the whole year through is what made it so special," she said. "From the very beginning, we had guys fill out goals and everybody's like, 'Let's try to win state. Let's do this together.' They also had their individual goals but, deep down, we knew we wanted to get that win at state if we could and we were going to push each other to do that."
While all six seniors spoke at some point during the program, three offered particularly poignant remarks.
Eli Lundt opened the night by welcoming all the gathered swimmers, coaches and friends to the event, and summed up what the night was all about.
"This is the culmination of years of hard word, dedication and sacrifice for 10 guys, our amazing coaches, our friends, family and just everybody involved with this team," he said. "I couldn't be more proud of these guys and just everyone involved. It's been such a great ride with you guys."
Marcus O'Malley, one of the team's captains, offered advice to next year's team - which will look much different following the graduation of this year's senior class.
"If you can't reach the top, if you can't get back to (the level of) state champion, don't let that stop you from exceeding the expectations that you or others give yourself. Trust the coaches, learn from them, rely on them and let them worry about coaches' responsibilities. You just focus on what you can do.
"I'm excited to see what you all can do. Go chase some more goals."
Fellow team captain Charlie Heck explained that the state title belonged to more than the swimmers, coaches or even family members in the room on Monday night. The title was one that can be shared and celebrated by the community as a whole.
"That's what makes it so special," he said. "The community, as a whole, brought this to Rhinelander, and it's something that so special for Rhinelander's community because everyone felt a part of it, everyone was proud of the success. It makes it ten times better for us because we can share that success with all of you."
Technically, there were two awards handed out on Monday, traditions passed down from prior RHS boys' swim teams. Senior Daniel Gillingham handed down the best returning swimmer award, and its accompanying kick board to junior Zacha King, who was the runner-up at state in the 100-yard backstroke last month. Shawn Denis received the team's "small man" award, an action figure presented to the returning swimmer who's the smallest in stature.
Marcus O'Malley summed it all up, thanking those who helped take a tiny group of 10 swimmers to heights never seen before in Rhinelander.
"This was the most wonderful experience, and the year of a lifetime," he said. "I was blessed with incredible fans, coaches and teammates. It was a pleasure to swim for you all. I wouldn't want to swim for anyone else, and I never will."
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
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