The Westonka boys swim and dive team opened their season with an impressive showing at the Bloomington Jefferson Invitational on December 21. Despite fielding only seven swimmers, the White Hawks delivered strong performances across multiple events,
finishing eighth overall with 136 points—outscoring teams twice their size.

Relay Success and Early Highlights

The meet began with the 200-yard medley relay featuring Eren Alemdar (backstroke), Brody Helms (breaststroke), Wyatt Helms (butterfly), and Niles Senn (freestyle). The quartet clocked in at 1:15.19, earning eighth place and 22 points for the team.

In the 200-yard freestyle, Tyler Finley posted a personal best of 2:28.11, shaving more than six seconds off his previous time. Senior captain Sean Dolder also impressed, finishing ninth with a time of 2:01.75 and adding nine points to the team’s tally.

Standout Individual Performances

Sophomore Brody Helms recorded a personal best in the 200 IM at 2:20.07, securing 13th place. In the 50-yard freestyle, newcomer sophomore Ben Zook dropped two seconds for a time of 38.41, while Niles Senn finished 17th at 26.11. Senior captain Wyatt Helms stole the spotlight with a blazing 23.65, earning second place and 17 points.

Captain Eren Alemdar contributed a strong sixth-place finish in the 100 Fly (1:01.59), demonstrating speed and consistency that set the tone for the team’s mid-meet momentum.

While the 100-yard freestyle saw multiple personal bests: Zook (1:31.57), Finley (1:08.86), and Senn (57.30). Captain Wyatt Helms added another podium finish, taking third with a time of 51.84.

Captain Sean Dolder tackled the grueling 500 Free, placing 11th in a deep field with a time of 5:28.88 earning the team six points, showcasing endurance and leadership as he powered through one of the meet’s toughest events.

Relay Power and Closing Events

The 200 free relay team—Alemdar, Senn, Dolder, and Helms—finished 8th at 1:41.51, earning 22 points. Alemdar later swam the 100 backstroke in 1:02.80 for eighth place, while Brody Helms capped his day with a personal best in the 100 breaststroke (1:11.85). The final event, the 400 Free Relay, featured Dolder, Helms, Finley, and Zook, adding four points to the team’s total.

Looking Ahead

Next up for the Westonka White Hawks is the Maroon and Gold meet at the University of Minnesota on January 3. With determination and depth, this small but mighty team is ready
to make waves all season long. Go White Hawks!