Click here to listen to Coach Harris
The Iowa Lakes Swimming Team opened their season on October 2nd when they traveled to Fort Dodge to take on Iowa Central Community College. The Lakers also self-hosted an NJCAA Virtual Pentathlon on October 8th.
New head coach Giordan Harris has been pleased with his sophomore leadership, "Erik and Allison have done a fantastic job as team leaders and being very supportive. Looking forward to seeing them continue to fill that role."
Last year Erik Graff performed well at the national tournament. Graff broke the men's 50 breaststroke team record previously held by Gabriel Carmona from 2018. Erik Graff placed 9th in the 50 breaststroke, also breaking the school record in by 1.71 seconds, 11th in the 100 breaststroke and 100 individual medley, and 12th in the 200 breaststroke. Erik had four personal and season-best times. At the national tournament last year, Allison Graff placed 11th in the 50 backstroke, 13th in the 100 backstroke, 14th in the 50 freestyle and 16th in the 100 Freestyle with 1 personal best and three season best times.
Two newcomers to watch this season will be Eduardo Martiniano on the men's side. Martiniano is from Brazil and is a sprinter. On the women's side, Moana Wind is from and will be a breast stroke ace for the Lakers. Both have a chance at breaking multiple school records in their respective events this season.
The Lakers have been focused on early season training with a lot of conditioning work in and out of the pool. Covid has had an impact on these athletes being able to train and get in the pool. Power work has been an emphasis as of late.
"Though our team this year is young, and small, as a whole we carry a lot of racing experience, and this group of athletes are dedicated to working Iowa Lakes Swimming and Diving up to the top of the NJCAA. The drive and dedication these athletes have shown thus far, lets me know we are in for a top performing season, and an impressive NJCAA Nationals performance," commented Head Coach Giordan Harris.
Saturday, October 30th the team will travel to Fremont, NE to compete in the Midland Triangular at Midland University.
PHOTO: Photo attached of the team.
OTHER: Interview attached with Head Coach Giordan Harris
21-22 Women's Roster: https://iowalakesathletics.com/sports/wswimdive/2021-22/roster
21-22 Men's Roster: https://iowalakesathletics.com/sports/mswimdive/2021-22/roster
21-22 Schedule: https://iowalakesathletics.com/sports/wswimdive/2021-22/schedule
MEDIA: For more information, please contact Head Men's & Women's Swimming Coach Giordan Harris at (712) 852-5209 or the Iowa Lakes sports information office at (712) 362-7928.