FOR CITY TIMES

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The Wisconsin Rapids Swim Club competed Jan. 6 at the Merrill Swim Meet, hosted by the Merrill Aqua Jays Swim Club.

Our best finishers of the day were the one-two punch of Emry Jennings and Nigel Schultz in the boys 8 years and under events. Emry and Nigel took first and second places, respectively, in the 25-yard freestyle and 25-yard backstroke. Emry’s time in the 25-yard freestyle qualified him for the state championship, which will be held in Ashwaubenon in late February. Emry also finished first in the 50 freestyle and 50 backstroke. Nigel finished first in the 25 Breaststroke and second in the 25 butterfly.  

“The club has a very strong 8 and under program right now,” said Coach Dave Kontz. “These are the swimmers that will shape competitive swimming in Wisconsin Rapids for years to come. I am very proud of both the boys and girls in this age group.”

In the 13-14 boys age group, Rapids had its next-best finishes of the day.

Tretton Delaney comes from a long line of family competitors in swimming. At Merrill, Tretton finished first in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle, with another first in the 100-yard Breaststroke. 

“Tretton is a dedicated competitor providing a great role model for our younger swimmers,” Kontz added. “WRSC is blessed to have Tretton as part of our club.”

The Wisconsin Rapids Swim Club is one of the newest youth programs hosted by the Wisconsin Rapids Parks & Recreation Department. The club was started in October 2023. Head Coach Dave Kontz comes to Rapids with 30-plus years of coaching experience working with all age groups. The team name is the Krakens.

The swim club is part of the Central Wisconsin Swim Conference, which includes many clubs from around the area. The Krakens have been competing in meets starting in late November 2023.