Making Waves

Ryan Scripp (left) and Jared Klika (right)

Ryan Scripp, 16, Notre Dame Academy Junior: With multiple national qualifying events, Ryan is ranked as one of the best swimmers in Wisconsin.

Though Ryan swims all four strokes exceptionally well, he has focused his training on competing in the 100 and 200 Butterfly events at national-level competitions.

Ryan aspires to swim in college and qualify for the NCAA Championships. Several college scholarships have already been offered to this talented and disciplined swimmer.

Jared Klika, 17, Ashwaubenon High School Senior: Jared is a multiple national-level qualifier and a top-ranking senior in Wisconsin.

His specialty is the 100 and 200 backstroke, although he is capable of swimming all events at an elite level. He also aspires to swim at the collegiate level and is visiting schools at this time.

Ryan and Jared, both numerous YMCA State record holders, also swim on the DCY relay teams that competed in Greensboro, NC, this past summer and will swim together in the upcoming spring national championships. Ryan will be competing against international competition at the Minnesota Grand Prix in Minneapolis, Nov. 20 – 22. Grand Prix events are for Olympian-level swimmers or those close to Olympic cut-off times.

Notes from Coach Mike McHugh: Our discussion this week focused on the qualities and attributes needed to become a champion. Our quote this week, “There is an I in Champion” discussed the importance of self-responsibility. If the dream is to become a champion, words like determination, perseverance, commitment, resiliency and self-discipline need to be put into action. These qualities need to be fostered and developed individually and across the team.

Swim Term: Relay – A race in which four swimmers compete as a team. All the swimmers must swim an equal distance in the race swimming either all freestyle stroke or each swimmer is assigned a different stroke of the four strokes.

Upcoming Meets

Stevens Point Fall Invitational: Nov. 8-9

Minnesota Grand Prix-USA qualifiers: Nov. 20-22

Oshkosh Champions Meet: Nov. 21-23

For more information visit the DCY website, teamunify.com/Home.jsp?team=widcy.