from Coach Jason Tangen
Alex Lucas has played a pivotal role in the success of our program since joining in his 8th-grade year. His strong work ethic is evident to us everyday as coaches and was highlighted to everyone else by his impressive achievement of breaking the 5:00 mark in the 500 Free last year at the State A Championships.
Not only is Alex a standout athlete on our team, but he also contributes significantly to the SRR Girls’ Swim & Dive team as their dedicated manager. His invaluable assistance to those coaches includes addressing various issues such as computer glitches, equipment challenges, and facility concerns.
Alex’s commitment and contributions to swimming and diving have earned him recognition as a Most Valuable Teammate award winner from the MSHSL. Furthermore, he serves as the senior class president of the Sauk Rapids-Rice Student Council, illustrating his leadership qualities and involvement in school activities.
Alex’s multifaceted talents, leadership, and dedication make him a truly exceptional asset to our program, and we are confident that he will continue to excel in all his future endeavors. While we would love for him to become a coach (as he would crush it in this field), his passions are leading him into the health care fields where we know he will be their greatest addition.
Hayden Zabinski has been an integral part of our program since his registration in 7th grade. From the outset, Hayden demonstrated a passion for diving and quickly became a valuable contributor to our team. His exceptional natural talent also shines through when he is asked to swim between the lane lines. The proof is shown in his participation in our team’s two All-State relays last year (when we were in Class A), securing an impressive 11th place finish in the 200 FR, and claiming 5th place in diving to boot.
Not wanting to rest on his laurels, Hayden has dedicated himself to continuous improvement during the offseason at camps and clinics with the specific goal to elevate his performance at the AA level this year.
Beyond his prowess in the pool, Hayden is a standout in the realm of Robotics, boasting multiple qualifications at the state and national levels. His commitment to excellence extends beyond athletics, showcasing a well-rounded skill set and a commendable work ethic. We are proud to have Hayden as a valued member of our team and look forward to witnessing his continued success as his senior year comes to an end.
A couple of great teammates, leaders, role models and basically well rounded young men. Awesome to hear and Minnesota Swim and Vibe would like to join your coaches in recognizing all you bring to your team and the sport. Vibe on boys!!!