Opening the door to the Jean K. Freeman aquatics center, warm air and the scent of chlorine rushed outwards. Glossy wooden benches lined the balcony for spectators, already packed with friends, family, and supporters for the 2025 MSHSL Boys AA Swim & Dive Championships Finals. Even before entering the University of Minnesota sports center, I saw crowds of eager people excited to support their schools and teams.
March 6-8th marked the final splash for the 2024-2025 high school boys swim and dive season with the state tournament. The team had a great season, including some of the following highlights:
- The team finished with a 5-4 record in conference competition this year
- Placed 4th at sections
- 20th at the state meet.
Overall, Head Coach Erik Knutsen highlighted that there was “tremendous individual growth throughout the season”. “In fact”, he says, “every single member of our team achieved at least one personal best, with most achieving several.” The team “stepped up throughout the season” after the graduation of many successful All-American relay swimmers to come just behind North at Sections and State.
Additionally, the team achieved the following results at the state tournament:
- Medley relay team: 13th in state (Brendan Mattson, Conno Zak, Grady Evenson, Henry Breza)
- Grady Evenson: 10th in 100 Butterfly and 6th in 100 Backstroke
- Brendan Mattson: 29th in 100 Backstroke
- Breckin McGIll: 19th for diving
The team is hopeful to grow in size going forward (for both boys and girls), and welcomes any levels of experience. Reach out to [email protected] if you’re interested!
Congratulations to the team on a great season!
