Shoutouts & Callouts: RHS girls’ swim team get its moment in the sun

It’s been a whirlwind week for the Rhinelander High School girls’ swim team. The Hodags went from winning the WIAA Division 2 state championship last Friday night, to being celebrated with a police escort and mini parade downtown Saturday afternoon, to being honored by the high school and the city in a pep assembly on Monday.

It’s a celebration that matched what the Hodag boys received back in February when they won their state title and, frankly, one that was long overdue for the girls through no fault of their own.

You see, it was the Hodag girls who brought the first team state championship in swimming back to Rhinelander in 2020. Having experienced all three state titles firsthand, I can tell you the reception back then paled in comparison to what both the Hodag boys and girls received this year. 

Obviously, the COVID-19 pandemic, and all the precautions and gathering restrictions that came with it, played a big role in the subdued salute in 2020. There was no pep rally to celebrate the team’s success that year. The city’s proclamation was a small, private affair with then mayor Chris Frederickson, the team and a handful of others. 

Staying over in a hotel in Waukesha was not an option in 2020 either. The team rode home after the meet, arriving back in Rhinelander in the middle of the night. There was certainly no parade downtown, and the only “escort” was witnessing a county deputy perform a traffic stop on County Highway P as the bus made it back in town just after closing time for the local establishments. 

Even the championship trophy the Hodags lifted that year was a stand-in — a Division 1 trophy from 2011. The actual trophy, which the team would receive months later, was on back-order due to supply chain issues.

While none of that takes away the significance of what the team achieved three years ago, it makes this year’s accomplishments a just reward for the seniors who were a part of both championship-winning teams.

“In 2020 we didn’t get all of the excitement because we had to be safe,” senior Abi Winnicki said. “It was exciting actually getting to celebrate. Having the celebration and pep rally for us, it’s just been great. It feels a bit like a dream still.”

It’s no dream. The Hodags have the undisputed No. 1 Division 2 swim program in the state. Simultaneously possessing the boys’ and girls’ state titles gives the school that title by default. Only five other schools have been able to say that in the more than five decades since girls’ swimming became a WIAA-sanctioned sport. 

The Hodags did it by slaying nearly all challengers it faced this year. Rhinelander romped through the GNC, inundated invitational fields with its superior depth and stormed through sectionals by winning every single swimming event — a feat that will likely remain unmatched for an awfully long time. 

State was much more of the same for Rhinelander. While the Hodags didn’t lead the team standings until after the fourth event — only due to the fact that the team doesn’t have a diving program — there never felt like there was a time Friday when the Hodags’ march to the title was in serious doubt. 

The Hodag girls couldn’t say that in 2020, when they needed a strong second-half surge to fend off Shorewood for the title. And we all know the story of the Hodag boys’ team, which rallied from 45 points down with four events remaining to claim the title last February by a mere six points. 

“It did feel kind of nice, I have to admit. It was nice to be able to (breathe),” Heck said, knowing the team had the overall title in the bag with two events to spare. “But there’s also those other goals. All those girls had goals going in and worked so hard. It’s not just only the win, it’s about trying to get so many goals achieved at one time. I think we got quite a few goals.”

One of those goals was dethroning Edgewood, the Madison-based private school that had won eight straight state titles. If there was any qualifier to the Hodags’ 2020 title, it was that Edgewood did not compete that season — once again due to COVID. The Crusaders opted instead for the alternate season the following spring, which they won comfortably. 2023 marked the first time that Edgewood left a state meet without a trophy of any kind since 2013. Whitefish Bay managed the silver this year, 13 points ahead of Edgewood.

“I’m glad we were the ones who got to be on top next,” Winnicki acknowledged after the meet.

While the Hodags’ success the last five years may have taken some swim observers in the southern part of the state by surprise, it’s hardly a shock considering the what the program has built over the last several years under coach Heck. Consider for a moment that the Hodag boys and girls have combined for eight top-five finishes in the last 10 Division 2 state meets. 

“These kids are the ones that deserve all the recognition,” Heck demurred. “I surround myself with a lot of people who are very invested with these kids — coaches, parents. It takes a lot for it all to come together and I’ve been fortunate and blessed enough to surround myself with a lot of people who really care.”

Perhaps that’s why the team made a point on Monday to say this was Rhinelander’s state championship, not just property of the Hodag girls’ swim team. From the Rhinelander Swim Club, to the James Williams Middle School girls’ swim team, to parents and fans who supported the swimmers, it took many more than just the 16 swimmers and three coaches on the roster to lift the trophy. 

“We’re very supported by our community,” senior Karis Francis said. “I think that’s super special that everyone’s aware of what the swim team is doing and I know that they’re proud of us. I know that we exceeded their expectations and all of that. It felt very good to have that celebration. You need that after we do something like this.”

A tip of the cap goes to the School District of Rhinelander, the City of Rhinelander, the Rhinelander Police Department and the Rhinelander Fire Department for helping to make the last few days special for the Hodag girls’ swim team. One of the benefits of living in a smaller community is the ability to celebrate the achievements of its members, something that’s been on full display over the last week. 

“They’ve made these girls feel like rockstars,” Heck said. “There are not many times in life that you feel like a rockstar. When you get it, enjoy it. It’s so well-deserved.”

A handful of swimmers who had since graduated off the 2020 state championship team were on hand Friday to watch their alma mater bring home another title. My hope is that they have been able to witness the reception this year’s team received and know, that by celebrating the 2023 Hodags, Rhinelander is also celebrating the 2020 squad, and all of those who have contributed to the success of the Hodag swim program. 

“It should never be taken for granted. It’s a very rare thing,” Heck said. “It really should be acknowledged and celebrated. To be able to do all this, the school’s been great about making sure it happens, it’s a moment these girls will hopefully remember their entire lives, celebrate and be proud of.”

Speaking on behalf of those who live in the Rhinelander area, it’s something we’re all proud of.

Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].