Athlete of the Week story on Varsity swimmer Ian Longan.
Q: How long have you been swimming?
A: I’d say I’ve been swimming since I was ten. I started out swimming at Carriage Club and my coach noticed I was good and recommended to my parents I should start swimming for a year round team.
Q: How many years have you swam at state?
A: I have swam at State since my freshman year. I swam 100 butterfly and 200 backstroke my freshman year, 100 free and 100 back my junior year, and this year I’m swimming the Medley Relay, 50 free, 100 back, and 400 free.
Q: Are you expecting to win [State] again this year?
A: Yes, I have some really high hopes for us this year. I feel like we’ve been working really hard and we have a good shot at the trophy.
Q: Who do you think will be your biggest challenge to face at State?
A: Blue Valley North. They have a lot of good swimmers in a lot of the big events.
Q: Have you broken any records here at East?
A: I was part of the record-breaking Medley Relay team, which we broke last year at State. It was me, Evan Root, Ben Schmatz, and Patrick Horning. That’s the only record I have, as of right now.
Q: Who, in your opinion, has influenced you most during your swim career?
A: A senior who graduated last year, Ben Schmatz, he’s always been a really hard worker and I always looked up to him. He’s the one who has helped me the most to get me to where I am today.