Foran's Swim Success Set For Future

Varsity coaches can usually sleep better at night with a team that is senior heavy.

In nearly all sports, a solid lineup of seniors translates experience into results. Even when senior-stocked teams struggle, coaches can rest assured knowing that their team put its experienced foot forward.

Some teams are led by outstanding underclassmen, whose phenom abilities just out-match any competitor, of any experience level.

There are instances in which a coach encounters the dream scenario of talent across the board and athletes with experience beyond their years. This combination could make a varsity coach sleep like a baby.

Foran varsity swim coach Kristin Skuches has a busy schedule that keeps her from getting all the rest she would certainly enjoy, but can rest assured that the future of her boys' varsity swim team is in good hands.

Sophomore Dylan Swanepoel and junior Rich Enders are fresh off an appearance at the CIAC Boys' Swimming Open, which gathers the state's best swimmers from all classes. Essentially, that means that Swanepoel and Enders are among the state's top-24 swimmers in their respective events. 

Swanepoel finished 10th in the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1:45.60 while Enders finished 11th in the 100-yard backstroke clocking in at 54.64. Despite the accolade of being included in such select company, neither Swanepoel or Enders were too thrilled with their results. 

These two competitors are not easily satisfied. As underclassmen, they have built upon each other's success as teammates in the pool and friends out of the water.

"Rich is very hard working, very dedicated," said Swanepoel. "I think maybe he gets it from his Dad, who's a pretty cool guy. The whole season Rich has been setting goals and then making, that's really important for a swimmer."  

"Dylan has a lot of drive," said Enders. "He's more dedicated than anyone I know and he's easily the most dedicated person on the team."

So, can Foran's team keep up the success from last year?

"I don't know what the future holds," Enders said. "I'm not sure we'll be as good next year. We're losing a lot of the core of our team, who are seniors now."

Seniors Andrew DeLuke and Dan Gallup were part of a strong field of swimmers responsible for Foran's success.

"I looked up to those two in the past," said Enders. "This year we became friends. They are two guys we both really looked up to and they both competed well at states."

"Last year, I was just getting to know everyone," added Swanepoel. "This year I made a lot of friends. Dan and Andrew were a big part of us all coming together."

Still the two set their personal goals high. Both list hopes of setting a state record, achieving All-American status and making it to the Olymipic trails.

Lofty goals? Swanepoel doesn't see it that way.

"Setting goals and then making them, that's what swimming is all about," he said.