The Westonka boys swim and dive team made a strong showing at the prestigious Maroon and Gold Invitational, held January 3 at the Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center at the University of Minnesota. This event brought together some of the state’s top programs, and for the first time, Westonka competed in the Maroon Division—the second-largest division at the meet—against powerhouse AAA schools boasting rosters more than three times their size. Despite the stiff competition, the White Hawks rose to the challenge,
finishing 10th overall out of 13 teams with just seven swimmers, a remarkable achievement for a program continuing to build its presence on the state stage.

Relay Sparks the Start

The meet opened with the 200-yard medley relay, featuring Eren Alemdar (backstroke), Brody Helms (breaststroke), Wyatt Helms (butterfly), and Niles Senn (freestyle). The quartet battled through a fast-paced heat, securing 15th place against some of the state’s most seasoned relay squads.

Individual Standouts

In the 200-yard freestyle, Senior Captain Wyatt Helms delivered a standout performance, powering through the water to claim 6th place, showcasing his endurance and speed. Fellow captain Sean Dolder also impressed, finishing 20th in a competitive field out of 38 swimmers. The 200-yard individual medley saw Brody Helms take on all four strokes with precision, earning 18th place in a grueling event that demands versatility and stamina.

Sprint Showdowns

The 50-yard freestyle, often dubbed the “splash and dash,” featured Westonka sprinters pushing for every fraction of a second. Niles Senn led the charge with a 28th-place finish, followed by Tyler Finley in 34th and Ben Zook in 37th, all showing determination in one of the meet’s most competitive races. In the 100-yard freestyle, Wyatt Helms once again shined, surging to 4th place with an explosive finish. Senn and Finley added depth to the event, placing 27th and 36th, respectively.

Distance and Specialty Events

The endurance test of the day, the 500-yard freestyle, saw Senior Captain Sean Dolder dig deep, finishing 16th out of 36 swimmers a testament to his grit and determination. In the 100-yard butterfly, Alemdar displayed strong technique and resilience, earning 17th place, while the 100-yard backstroke saw him return to the pool for a 14th-place finish, with Zook contributing in 37th. The 100-yard breaststroke featured Brody Helms, who powered through to 17th place, rounding out Westonka’s strong individual efforts.

Relay Highlights

The 200-yard freestyle relay was a thrilling moment for the White Hawks, as Helms, Alemdar, Senn, and anchor Dolder combined for an impressive 11th-place finish out of 37 teams, showcasing teamwork and speed. Closing the meet, the 400-yard freestyle relay—swum by Helms, Dolder, Finley, and Zook—secured 28th place out of 34 teams, capping off a day of spirited competition.

Next up, the Westonka White Hawks will make history with their first-ever conference meet at Delano on January 13. With momentum building and confidence high, the team is ready to continue making waves.

Go White Hawks!