By Matt Browning

Jackson Burrus of Kapaun Mount Carmel was voted as the Wichita Area Preseason Boys Swimmer of the Year. Burrus received over 6,500 votes, which was 26 percent of the overall vote. “It’s really cool to be able to be a nominee along with all of these other amazing swimmers,” Burrus said. “Especially because of the fact that I’m close friends with many of them and look up to so many of them.”

Last season at the 5-1A state tournament, Burrus took second in the 100-yard backstroke, as well as being apart of the 200-yard relay team. He also took sixth in the 200-yard individual medley. “I would say that one of my accomplishments throughout my career that I am most proud of is that I have gotten the opportunity to stand on the podium with my closest friends,” Burrus said. “Without them, I would not be the swimmer and person I am today.”

Outside of swimming, Burrus also participates in Crusaders for Life and the Future Medical Professionals Club, is a captain for Kapaun’s student advocacy program and is on the athletic department leadership council.

Even though Burrus is just a sophomore, he already has an idea what he wants to do in college. “In the future I would love to be able to study pre-med and continue my athletic career in college, though I am still undecided about where I want to go,” Burrus said.