Team is 'one of the best you will see'

By Dean Wong

Bothell, Eastlake and Garfield high schools have all learned how good the boys swimming team at Ballard High has become as the Beavers defeated the traditionally strong KingCo teams.

The Beavers have steadily become a force under head coach Michael Bruesch, now in his fourth season at Ballard. Bruesch is predicting a 8-2 or 7-3 finish to the regular season. This would be the best win loss record in years at the school.

"This is one of the best teams you will see. We are real solid this year. These guys are working their butts off and they are dropping times," said Bruesch.

The Beavers have beaten Bothell 106-74, Eastlake 93-92 and Garfield 95-91 in recent weeks.

Ballard has been led by Gabe Sharify who has won the 200 IM three times, the 100 breast twice and the 100 fly once during that three meet run.

The team has been consistent. Shane Levine has won the 200 free two times and the 500 free once.

Mike Simmons has added wins in the 200 IM and 100 fly. Josh Jaeger has won a 100 fly race.

Griffen Bond in the 100 fly, Dylan Walker in the 100 back and 50 free have one win each.

Diver Nick Tsagalakis has helped the team with two wins.

In the 200-medley relay, the combination of Walker, Sharify, Simmons and Levine has taken first place in the Bothell meet.

Andrew Eastman, Dana Haram, Levine and Walker beat Eastlake in the 200 free relay.

Ballard has also done well in the 400 free with Levine, Sharify, Simmons and Jordan Stead.

The Beavers have one of their largest teams in recent years with new talent and veterans adding to the mix.

In the past, graduating seniors would deplete the team the following year.

Bruesch has seen enough ability in his younger swimmers to be confident his swimming program is in good hands for several years to come.

"Ballard men's swimming is looking good now. We have a lot of young guys who will take their (seniors) place next year," said Bruesch.

Sharify, who has been hampered by two ankle injuries, is set to make it to state in several events. He has been the team's best swimmer for three years now.

He is joined by Josh Jaeger, who is only in his second season with Ballard and has two years remaining.

Jaeger swims 10,000 meters a day. He trains with his father Leo Jaeger in the mornings. Leo Jaeger is an assistant with both the boys and girls teams. His daughter Jennifer is a member of the girl's team.

"He (Josh Jaeger) and Perry are the iron men of this team said Bruesch.

The Ballard coach describes Jaeger and Simmons as the "super sophomores" of the Beaver team.

Two freshmen, Corey Metzner and Sam Hall are also showing great promise.

"It's fun to see the young talent coming up in the ranks. We will be good for awhile," said Bruesch.

The team has six divers who are having good seasons. They are lead by Tsagalakis who is close to making it to state. Price Hardman is another top diver.

"We have a good core group of divers to go with a strong swimming team," said Bruesch.

Ballard's 200 medley and 200 free relay teams are expected to go to state as well.

First comes the KingCo District Two Meet on Feb. 9 and 10.

"We will have a huge team at districts. We have a minimum of two guys qualifying in every single event, except the backstroke," said Bruesch.

The WIAA (Washington Interscholastic Activities Association) State Meet is Feb. 16 and 17 at the King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way.

Dean Wong may be contacted at 783.1244 or dino@robinsonnews.com