Wisconsin Rapids Swim Club attends first conference invite

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The Wisconsin Rapids Swim Club, better known as the Krakens, traveled to Rhinelander on Dec. 6 to compete in the season opener at the Heck Family Community Pool. The Krakens secured ten first place wins and qualified a second swimmer for the state championships.
“Anytime the Krakens start the season, I always wonder if we have done enough to be ready.” said Head Coach Dave Kontz. “We made a couple of nervous mistakes, but overall the kids did a great job.”
Milo Jennings has become the second Kraken to qualify for the State Championships. His second place time in the 25 yard freestyle will allow him to attend the Short Course Championships at Verona High School in Verona from Feb. 28-March 1, 2026. Milo also finished first in the 25 yard butterfly and fourth in the 25 yard backstroke.
Anna Gumz had already secured the 25 yard freestyle at the State Single Age Championships, which was held at the Racine Aquatic Center on Dec. 13-14. Anna added another event by qualifying in the 50 yard freestyle and set a new club record by placing second on this day. Anna also placed first in the 25 yard freestyle, with a new club record, and second in the 25 yard breaststroke.
Other first place finishers included Tretton Delaney, completed the hat trick on this day. Tretton took first in the 50 yard and 100 yard freestyle and the 100 yard breaststroke. Claira Jennings placed first in the 50 yard butterfly and third in the 50 yard breaststroke. Jay Bernette grabbed a first in the 500 yard freestyle, with second place in the 50 yard freestyle and 100 yard breaststroke. Mya Marquard finished first and set a new club record in the 200 yard backstroke. Marquard ended the day with a pair of fourth places in the 50 yard freestyle and 100 yard individual medley. Finally, Addison Borek placed first and set a new club record in the 100 yard individual medley. Addison also earned third place in the 100 yard breaststroke and fifth in the 100 yard freestyle.

The second place finishes started with Vivian Zacher in the 100 yard individual medley. Zacher set a new club record in the 50 yard freestyle and a personal record in the 100 yard freestyle. Chasten Delaney got second in the 50 yard breaststroke, and Kali Bernette finished second in the 50 yard breaststroke. She set a new personal record in the 50 yard freestyle.
Others that set new personal records include Kenna Anderson, Emily Beckett, Ryan Besasie, Noah Grosskopf, Wyatt Hamilton, Emma Kay, Kensi Lercher, Mackenzie Miloch, Brody Slabosheski, Stella Spess, Kylah Ward and Rhianon Zabawa.
The last event of the day was the 200 yard freestyle relays. The senior boys, Chasten Delaney, Tretton Delaney, Jay Bernette and Gavin Bernetter, placed first. The middle and high school girls, Vivian Zacher, Kali Bernette, Mackenzie Miloch and Addison Borek, finished in second place. The youngest Krakens continue to impress with a pair of second places from Milo Jennings, Noah Groskopf, Ryan Besasie, Wyatt Hamilton and the relay of Anna Gumz, Kensi Lercher, Aubrey Knoll and Janessa Rucinski. Finally, the relay of Emma Kay, Stella Spees, Emily Backett, Rhiannon Zabawa placed seventh.
For the complete meet schedule and other information about the Krakens, go to their website at www.rapidsswimclub.swimtopia.com
The Wisconsin Rapids Swim Club is a non-profit organization open to the public. The club is part of the Wisconsin Rapids Recreation Department. WRSC is designed exclusively for educational, competitive and recreational purposes. The Krakens are geared for children ages 5-18.
Practices are at the Lincoln High School Community pool and at Witter Park in the summer months.
For more information, reach out to the club via email at info.wrsc.swim@gmail.com.