Ballard High School's top boys swimmers were eager to compete in the King County Aquatic Center's pool for the WIAA State Championship Meet held on February 17 and 18.

"It's world class for racing. The water is cooler and deeper, it makes you go faster," said senior Gabe Pratt.

As one of the team's strongest swimmers, Pratt anchors the 200 medley and 200 free relay teams.

He enjoys the role. "It's fun being the last one in, going all out to see what you can do," he said.

The 200 free relay team (1:33.39) was seeded 14th going into the state meet. The 200 medley relay team is 21st (1:46.30). The top 16 teams advance to the finals.

"We are looking good at state. There's a good chance the guys will make the finals," said Head Coach Michael Bruesch.

Individually, Perry Sharify is seeded eighth in the 200 IM (1:59.56) and fifth in the 100 breast (1:01.02). Shane Levine is 22nd in the 200 free (1:51.76).

"A lot of guys dropped times at districts. All things considered, we are looking pretty good," said Bruesch.

Diver Nick Tsagalakis is hoping to make a splash at state as well and is seeded at 22.

"I would not be surprised to see him do well," said Diving Coach Dave Dawson.

Tsagalakis went to the state meet last year as a spectator to see what it was like. He was only a freshman.

He says there's a lot of competition, but he's ready for the challenge. With two years left at Ballard he has a lot of room to grow in the sport.

"There's lots of room for improvement. I hope to be one of the top divers in the state," said Tsagalakis.

Dawson says the state meet is a big deal and the pressure is intense, but Tsagalakis is diving well right now.

"There is an electricity at state. Everything is on a much bigger scale," said Bruesch.

Co-captions Pratt and Bryan Absher are the only seniors. This leaves the Beavers well stocked with talent with returning varsity swimmers and a strong junior varsity roster ready to challenge for pool time.

"We have a lot guys coming back next year. Our team will be really good next year. With another year of training, Ballard will be something special," said Bruesch.

The teams top swimmers, Pratt, Levine and Sharify all swim year round and their success is evident.

As a coach, Bruesch would like to see more of his athletes swim year round.

At the start of this season, Bruesch predicted his team would be better, despite losing their top swimmer Kerry Tannhauser to graduation.

Bruesch now admits he did not foresee the rapid progression in his team. "The swimming has been incredible. The improvement, how fast they got is remarkable," he said.

"This year has exceeded what I had hoped for in team improvement. Next year will be unbelievable. This will be a fun group of guys to watch. We will have a solid all-round team," said Bruesch.

The WIAA State Meet took place after the News-Tribune went to press early for the President's Day holiday. Meet results will be published in the February 28 issue or visit www.wisca.org.