Right now, Washougal swimmers practice with the Camas High team. Ross enjoys that partnership, but would also like to see his team grow enough to be self-sufficient.
Should Washougal swimmers qualify for the state meet through a relay or otherwise, Ross believes that experience would inspire more Washougal swimmers to join the team.
“I’m hoping the program will grow after I leave,” Ross said. “I want to try to (qualify) because I want the other guys to enjoy state, go back to the school and tell everyone they had a great time going to state.”
Ross enjoyed his experience at last year’s state meet. He finished second in the Class 2A 100 yard butterfly and fourth in the 200 freestyle.
It’s a challenging combination. With only three events between those two, there is little time for rest.
“It’s tiring when you race, then jump in the pool for a cooldown, then get back in and race,” Ross said. “It’s a gamble because I’m choosing between events that I’m kinda good at but are farther apart or the events that are close together that I’m really good at.”
This year, Ross wants two state championships.
“I’m going to try and get a really nice placing in prelims, then dominate finals,” he said. “It would mean everything. It would be so cool. I think it would help me get into colleges better and I think that everyone would be so proud of me, especially my family. And to bring it back to school, that would give it the boost.”
Having won the past two 4A team titles at the state championships, Camas has established itself as a statewide power.
But the Papermakers are looking to reload after graduating most of its top swimmers.
Austin Fogel is one of just two returning swimmers who made last year’s state finals.
The senior hopes to continue the team camaraderie that has been strong for Camas en route to winning the two state titles.
“There’s more incentive to swim harder for a high school team than a club team because with your high school, you don’t swim with them all year round,” he said. “You’re not just striving for your best times, you’re striving for your team.”
Daniel Brown, Washougal: The senior finished 14th in the 50 free and 13th in the 100 fly at state last year.
Austin Fogel, Camas: The senior placed 11th in the 500 free and is a key member of relay teams.
Jaden Kim, Camas: The junior placed third in state last year in 100 butterfly after placing second prior year.
Val Tikhomirov, Union: The junior placed seventh in state last year in the 100 breaststroke.
Christopher Xia, Camas: The senior was fifth at the Class 4A state meet in the 50 freestyle and sixth in the 100 freestyle.
Alex Curran, Battle Ground: The sophomore has already swam a state-qualifying time in 100 backstroke
Jan. 12, Kelso Invite: Thirteen Clark County teams are among 16 to gather for one of Southwest Washington’s largest regular-season meets.
Jan. 26, Southwest Washington Invite: Nearly every team in the area will compete in Longview in a tuneup for the postseason.
Feb. 8-9, District Meets: State berths are on the line at 3A-4A meet in Kelso and 1A-2A meet in Longview.
Feb. 15-16, State Championships: The state’s best swimmers gather at the King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way where champions will be crowned.
