Tyler Finley swims the 100 backstroke
The Westonka boys swim team made waves Jan. 23 with a commendable performance at Bloomington Jefferson. Demonstrating a combination of teamwork, skill, and perseverance, the White Hawks delivered impressive results across multiple events.
The meet opened with the A relay team featuring Sean Dolder (backstroke), Wyatt Helms (breaststroke), Eren Alemdar (butterfly), and Connor Shaw (freestyle). This group worked seamlessly together, completing the medley relay in 1:56.09 and securing a solid fourth-place finish, setting the tone for an exciting evening of competition.
In individual events, Niles Senn and Tyler Finley represented Westonka in the JV heat of the 200 freestyle, placing third and fourth, respectively. Meanwhile, in the varsity heat of the same event, Wyatt Helms powered through the water, finishing in third place with an impressive time of 2:00.57. Brody Helms shone in
the JV 200 individual medley (IM), claiming first place with a time of 2:31.01, while Sean Dolder delivered a strong 2:19.10 performance in the varsity 200 IM to take fifth place.
The fast-paced 50 freestyle varsity heat saw Connor Shaw battling for speed, touching the wall at 25.61 for fourth place. In the 100 butterfly, Niles Senn excelled in the JV heat with a commanding first-place finish at 1:19.34, while Eren Alemdar showcased his agility and endurance in the varsity heat, securing third place with a
swift 1:00.52.
The White Hawks continued to shine in freestyle events. Brody Helms earned another first place in the JV 100 freestyle with a time of 1:00.30. Connor Shaw followed suit in the varsity heat, finishing third at 58.26. The grueling 500 freestyle saw an incredible performance from Wyatt Helms, who powered through the distance to claim second place with a time of 5:31.15, demonstrating both stamina and skill.
Relay events highlighted Westonka’s team chemistry. In the 200 freestyle relay, the varsity team of Tyler Finley, Connor Shaw, Brody Helms, and Niles Senn finished fifth, clocking in at 1:51.89. The backstroke events brought more victories for the White Hawks, with Tyler Finley taking first place in the JV 100 backstroke (1:23.18) and Eren Alemdar dominating the varsity heat with an impressive 1:01.23. The varsity breaststroke saw junior Sean Dolder showcase his strength and technique, finishing third with a time of 1:14.78.
The most thrilling moment of the meet came in the final event, the 400 freestyle relay. The Westonka A team of freshman Brody Helms, juniors Wyatt Helms and Eren Alemdar, and anchor swimmer Sean Dolder delivered a remarkable performance, setting a team record with a time of 3:53.43 and securing second place. This race was a testament to their teamwork and determination.
Westonka is required to compete at the exhibition level in Metro West conference meets due to Minnesota State High School League cooperative rules, the White Hawks’ enthusiasm and competitive spirit remain unwavering.
The Westonka boys swim team now looks ahead to their next challenge: a dual meet against St. Louis Park on Jan. 30. With momentum on their side, the White Hawks are poised for continued success.