Leading By Example

Hutchinson High School swimmers Robby Fee and Sam Conklin take to the pool for their final high school meet at state on Feb. 20-21. Following their solid performances at state last season, the two swam year-round in preparation to take another dip in 2009. Since youth, Fee and Conklin have had ties through their families; three generations ago, their grandfathers were friends. The off-season time the two spend in the pool together has instilled a friendship in and out of it. Both began swimming at age 5 and to this day attend the same year-round swim meets. At the state swim meet last year, Conklin placed third in the 100-yard breaststroke, eighth in the 200-yard IM and made second team all-state. Fee got third in the 500-yard freestyle, sixth in the 200-yard freestyle and also made second team all-state. They led their team to an overall eighth-place finish. After graduating seven seniors from last year's team, Hutchinson felt the hit, but the Salthawks are confident in their nine returning seniors, including their two leaders. "They have a lot of leadership on the team because they are year-round swimmers," says coach Cathy Field. "They lead by example." Many positions were left unfilled by last season's graduating class, but Fee says that the team has been up to the challenge and willing to work harder in practice in order to fill the void. Conklin says Hutch has the depth to compete, with a number of swimmers able to switch strokes and be flexible in different types of races. Field couldn't find two better leaders. Fee and Conklin have work ethic, dedication and diversity as swimmers, and regularly put in two-a-day practices. "They have the conditioning and experience," says Field. "They put in the most yards per week out of anybody." Following high school, Fee hopes the opportunity to continue swimming in college presents itself. The junior has been contacted by a few schools, including the United States Naval Academy. Conklin, a senior, has chosen another path, declining swim offers in order to attend the University of Kansas for business management. "I hope to pursue a career in the military at either the United States Military Academy at West Point or at the United States Naval Academy," says Fee. From a young age, Fee and Conklin have been united through family and the love of a sport. They made the choice to dedicate themselves to swimming in order to become the best athletes possible, open doors to opportunities and contribute to the excellent reputation for athletics at Hutchinson High School. They conclude their final swim season together this year, but their friendship and years of memories in and out of the pool will never falter. State Swimming Notes - The Independent Schooljunior Christian Kilgore placed fifth in the 200-yard IM last season in a time of 1:58.45. - Two City League swimmers who placed in the top five at state in the 100-yard backstroke return - Kapaun senior Ryan Maloney (third, :55.08) and Heights junior Ian Cullinan (fifth, :55.34).