Senior Nils Rykken

How long have you been swimming?

I’ve been swimming for around 10 years.

How did you start?

When I was young, my parents enrolled me in Foss Swim School and I did that for a couple years. Eventually I moved to a club team.

Why do you swim now?

Whenever you do well, the sense of achievement you feel outweighs all of the cons such as time commitment or other things you lose by being in the pool so much. That feeling when you do really well makes it all worth it.

What does it mean to you to be a captain this year?

Mostly I feel like a leader. Nate and I are very different captains. I’m the one who organizes everything and he’s the one who gets everybody riled up. I think we each have our own different functions; for me it’s to make sure everything goes according to plan, and people show up, people do what they need to. Also to be a leader to the younger kids.

What do you love most about swimming?

The people really. My fellow teammates. I wouldn’t trade anything in the world for them.

What do you think are your biggest strengths in the pool?

I would say contributing to relays usually; the past couple of years our relays have been getting better and better and now my senior year it’s going to be really fun to see where those relays can go.

What is your team goal for the season?

To win the Section. We got second last year and we’re going to be even better this year, and hopefully we can beat Edina.

How do you think swimming has impacted your life?

I think (swimming) has definitely made me a more well-rounded person. When you have less time for schoolwork, when you get home late at night, you suddenly have to do everything. I think in that way it’s definitely made me a better student so I don’t slack off.

Senior Nate Stone

How long have you been swimming?

Probably 10 years, high school for six.

How did you start?

My mom was a swimmer. She taught me how and put me in it (when) I was probably eight. I played soccer before that so I did both for another sport.

Why do you swim now?

Really it’s (because of) the people. You realize you grew up with the sport and (swimming is) a great sport overall as an activity, but now it’s really the people you’ve grown up with. It’s all around great.

What does it mean to you to be a captain this year?

It’s my opportunity to try and lead the team, and in a way live up to how others led the in the past, and push them to new heights.

What do you love most about swimming?

I just love the guys and the team.

What is your team goal for the season?

I want to win Sections; we have a real shot. Edina has lost a lot of guys and we’ve improved a lot, so I think we can win.