Margaret Fikany ’13 | Staff Writer

High expectations are set for swimmer Patrick Jackson ’14, for this year’s state championship meet after his impressive, first place finish in the 100 butterfly race last year.

With a record breaking time of 51.70 seconds in the 100 butterfly, beating several juniors and a few seniors his sophomore year, each competitor’s goal  will be to beat him in a second chance to win states, Jackson said.

Jackson’s goals for states are to improve all of his times and do the best he that can, he said.

“Rather than all of the pressure getting to me, I’ve been trying to stay focused on my goals,” said Jackson. “And make sure to have a memorable and successful race.”

This year, there are two schools that have moved down to Division II since last year, Ann Arbor Pioneer and Ann Arbor Skyline. Together with a large number of returning athletes from last year’s meet, states will result in a much deeper field in every event, head coach Eric Gunderson said.

“I will be treating states just like any other event,” said Jackson. “There is really nothing major I need to change compared to last year.”

When preparing for states, the swimmers take each season and learn from what they’ve accomplished as a team, Gunderson said.

“Every year I look at what has worked well and what we could have done better,” said Gunderson. “We start from when there developing a training plan for each swimmer. This meet is going to be faster this year, so there is no doubt the will have to go faster to win it again.”

Teammate Jack Martin ’14 recognizes Jackson’s hard work during practices as he always stays on task and asks for harder sets, he said.

“Pat tries to keep the team together by helping us bond more,” said Martin. “By setting a good example, it makes the swimmers want to work harder and push for better times.”

With Jackson winning his race last year, expectations were set high and pressure is put on his back, Jackson said.

“I feel so pressured to win again,” said Jackson. “If I don’t win, then I feel like I am just letting myself and others down.”

This year there is a bit of extra pressure in being a returning champion, Gunderson said, but the big thing to remember going into states is not to get too caught up with that.

“I’m not sure how fast he’ll have to go, but I am more concerned with him swimming well,” said Gunderson. “We can’t control what others are going to do, but hopefully Patrick has a good race, and we’ll see what happens. He just needs to swim well.”

With or without Jackson winning in the 100 butterfly, attending the state meet is always a lot of fun, Gunderson said.

“My swimmers have been working hard, and now have a chance to reap the rewards,” said Gunderson. “It’s an excellent opportunity to get fired up, race, and show what South swimming is all about.”

States will be held at Oakland University this Friday and Saturday, March 8 and 9, starting at noon.