This year, the boys 200-meter freestyle relay swimming team qualified for WPIALs, and senior Brayden Kuch stood among the four boys who swam.
This is Kuch’s third and final year on the team, and he said having the relay team reach WPIALs was a great way to end it. In addition to Kuch, the team consisted of sophomore Matteo Cuenca, junior Tarik Usanovic, and senior Tanner Zalar, with junior Nathan Loshelder as an alternate.
“I first joined back in 10th grade because I wanted to get involved at the school. I’ve bonded closely with my teammates and overall had a great experience,” Kuch said.
Besides the relay, Kuch also participated in the 100 fly, 100 breast, and 200 freestyle. This year specifically meant a lot, Kuch said.
“After just barely missing out on WPIALs last year and qualifying this year, it felt super good, especially since it’s my senior year. I worked really hard and so did the whole team to make this possible,” Kuch said.
Kuch also went to WPIALs his first year on the team as a backup for the 200-meter medley relay as well as the 200-meter freestyle relay.
Kuch said swimming has helped him forge friendships.
“I’ve gotten really close with Tarik, since we worked together in lane one. Other members like Tanner and Matteo take the pressure off and always make us smile,” Kuch said.
Zalar complemented Kuch for his leadership skills.
“Brayden is a very outgoing and fun person. He aspires to have a leadership role and make a difference in any way he can. It is a very noticeable and admirable trait about him,” Zalar said.
Cuenca admires Kuch’s work ethic.
“Brayden has one of the best work ethics out of anyone I’ve ever met. He’s pretty hard on me, but he pushes me to do better all the time, and his sense of humor really matches mine,” Cuenca said.
Cuenca also credits Kuch’s motivation.
“He sets very positive example for how to push yourself. He hasn’t missed a day of school or practice, so he’s pretty hard on me if I miss or skip a practice or if I’m being lazy on a set.”
Kuch is not sure whether he will continue swimming at the collegiate level.
“I’m still thinking about what I want to do with the future of my swimming career,” Kuch said.
