Le making it look easy for the Clarence swim team
Friday December 28, 2012 | By:Mike Pidanick, Metro Source | Sports
CLARENCE - The breaststroke may not seem very easy if you’re watching it from the stands or trying it yourself. But if you’re Mike Le, apparently it’s not all that tough at all.
The Clarence High School standout has excelled in the event for years and he has high hopes for his senior season in that event.
“There’s really not much to it,” Le said after another first-place finish in a dual meet against West Seneca East. “I don’t know, I’m just naturally good at it, I guess. It kind of came naturally to me and I just really like it.”
In fact, Le looks like a natural at everything he does in the pool. The senior, in his fifth year on the varsity team, also swims in the 200 intermediate medley and also participates in relays. He can also perform well in the butterfly and sprint races if the Red Devils need him.
“He’s a senior captain, he’s always leading the way for us,” Clarence coach said. “He’s had several meets where he’s won both events.”
A year ago, he was a Section VI champion in the 100-yard breaststroke, posting a winning time of 1 minute, 2.77 seconds in the finals last February at Starpoint High School.
Last season, he swam the butterfly portion of Clarence’s 200-Yard Medley Relay along with Nick Hook, Kevin Kreher and Joe Lawrence that took sixth at states.
This year’s state tournament is set for March 1 and 2 at Webster-Schroeder High School. And Le wants to be there and have some friends with him as well.
“Hopefully we can send a relay to states and I’d love to get into state in one of my events too,” Le said.
But first things first. As always, Clarence is among the favorites for the ECIC-I championship. Le and the Red Devils hope a deep roster can lead to another title run in the pool.
High expectations are just part of being a swimmer in Clarence – and the Red Devils more often than not prove to be up for the challenge.
“Last year, we had high expectations and we were able to accomplish a lot of our goals,” Le said. “Hopefully the same thing will happen this year, too.”
The Clarence High School standout has excelled in the event for years and he has high hopes for his senior season in that event.
“There’s really not much to it,” Le said after another first-place finish in a dual meet against West Seneca East. “I don’t know, I’m just naturally good at it, I guess. It kind of came naturally to me and I just really like it.”
In fact, Le looks like a natural at everything he does in the pool. The senior, in his fifth year on the varsity team, also swims in the 200 intermediate medley and also participates in relays. He can also perform well in the butterfly and sprint races if the Red Devils need him.
“He’s a senior captain, he’s always leading the way for us,” Clarence coach said. “He’s had several meets where he’s won both events.”
A year ago, he was a Section VI champion in the 100-yard breaststroke, posting a winning time of 1 minute, 2.77 seconds in the finals last February at Starpoint High School.
Last season, he swam the butterfly portion of Clarence’s 200-Yard Medley Relay along with Nick Hook, Kevin Kreher and Joe Lawrence that took sixth at states.
This year’s state tournament is set for March 1 and 2 at Webster-Schroeder High School. And Le wants to be there and have some friends with him as well.
“Hopefully we can send a relay to states and I’d love to get into state in one of my events too,” Le said.
But first things first. As always, Clarence is among the favorites for the ECIC-I championship. Le and the Red Devils hope a deep roster can lead to another title run in the pool.
High expectations are just part of being a swimmer in Clarence – and the Red Devils more often than not prove to be up for the challenge.
“Last year, we had high expectations and we were able to accomplish a lot of our goals,” Le said. “Hopefully the same thing will happen this year, too.”
More stories
Alden’s Panek helps lead a pitching staff with some depth
Alden High School junior Haley Panek sure enjoys going into the pitching circle...
Perfectionist hurler Matre trusted by St. Joe’s teammates
Matt Matre is a bit of a perfectionist. What others view as great outings, the...
ADD A COMMENTBe the first to Comment
