Hutchinson High School junior Jace Rimbey has competed with the varsity swim team for the last three years. The printer swims the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle. He is also on the 200 Medley Relay as the freestyler, 200 free relay, and the 400 free relay.

“What I really like about our team through the past years is we have been a really small team, we don’t get a lot of swimmers but that means we all get a lot closer as teammates because of it,” said Rimbey.

Head coach Rene Sullivan said of Rimbey, “Jace is unique in his workouts. He likes to try a negotiate deals; however, it doesn’t work most of the time. Jace does have the determination to try and get a state considered time and hopes to reach an automatic time in the 50 free and the 100 free. Jace is a dedicated and motivated swimmer.”

This year dealing with COVID-19 has been a challenge for everyone and the swimmers are no exception.

“It has been different for sure. We have to wear masks until we step up on the block, we have to move clockwise around the pool, no spectators, but we are taking the necessary precautions to ensure we can keep swimming,” said Rimbey.

Rimbey said his favorite memory in the pool goes back to his first season as a freshman.

“My favorite memory is a really tough one, we have a had a lot of good times in the three years I’ve been here, but if I had to pick, I would say playing sharks and minnows with the seniors my freshman year. Or my sophomore year, when during our 400 relay one of my teammates thought it was a 200 and jumped onto another teammate who was still swimming,” said Rimbey.

Several people have influenced Rimbey during his swim career.

“My influences have been made up of a few people, but I can mostly chalk it up to my past teammates, or my mother. The way my teammates influence me is that they keep me motivated, if they can keep practicing with everything in their lives then I know I can. And my mom keeps me motivated to keep pushing myself and not give up on everything,” said Rimbey.

In his free time the junior enjoys going to work, taking photos for the yearbook and hanging out with friends and family.