By Matt Browning

Through just a month and a half of the season, Wichita East’s Kaleb Barker has already made the state cut in two events.

But Barker plans on that being just the beginning.

“My goals this season are to win state in the 500 Free and break our 2014 500 Free high school record,” Barker said. “I also would like to be first team all-city. As for the team, I just want to see them improve and get faster since they have proven they got it in them.”

Improving his strength and explosiveness was the focal point of Barker’s training throughout the offseason. Not only did he have individual workouts, but he swam with his club team, the Wichita YMCA Neptunes.

“During the offseason, I practice (and still practice) with a personal trainer for the muscle strength and explosiveness off the blocks,” Barker said, “But I have also been working with my club team coach to help my turns get better.”

Barker has already seen a significant improvement in his times from last year.

“Last year my 500 free time was a 5:07.61 and now it is a 5:02.49 (although my best club swim time for the 500 free is a 4:58.08),” Barker said. “For my 200 free last year, I was a 1:55.37 and now it is a 1:53.37.”