As the steam slowly swirls above the surface of the pool, the swimmers find their places on the starting platforms. A voice suddenly crackles out, “Swimmers, take your mark.” Six teenagers slowly bend, touching their fingertips to their toes. The horn sounds and they’re off!

“I’m shooting for a state title this year, ” said Stephen Wessenberg, sophomore, as he talks about some of his goals for the season. “And getting the school record in the 50 free.”

In December the boys competed in the Capitol City Triangular with Central and South and came out on top with 129 points. Jackson Mugg won the 200 free (1:55.91), and the 500 free (5:16.89). Michah Turner won the 100 fly (1:02.25), and took second in the 200 IM (2:23.78).

Stephen Wessenberg won the 100 back (1:02.36), and placed third in the 50 free (25.11). Joe Froelicher placed second in the 200 free (2:07.40) and third in the 500 free (5:53.83). Robert Wenger placed third in the 100 back (1:8.65). Zach Urban placed second in the 100 breast (1:12.40).

Joe Froelicher, Zane Dobler, Walker Marshall, and Jackson Mugg won the 400 free relay with (3:57.05).
When the boys competed in the South Quad in January against Kelly Walsh, Central, and South, they placed third with 271 points.

Stephen Wessenberg won the 200 free (1:57.58), and the 500 free (5:28.06). Jackson Mugg won the 100 free (52.70). Michah Turner placed second in the 500 (5:58. 50). Grant Schoene placed third in the 500 with (6:02.74). Walker Marshall, Michah Turner, Jackson Mugg, and Stephen Wessenberg placed third in the 200 free relay with (1:41.07). Jackson Mugg, Walker Marshall, Zane Dobler, and Stephen Wessenberg won the 400 free relay (3:39.34).

The beginning of February found the boys finding their stride just in time for their dual with Laramie. In the 200 medley relay, Walker Marshall, Logan Potter, Micah Turner, and Zane Dobler placed second (1:55.13).

Jackson Mugg won the 200 free (1:55.95) and placed second in the 500 free (5:10.43). Joe Froelicher won the 100 breast (1:11.69) and placed second in the 200 free (2:02.34). Michah Turner placed third in the 200 IM (2:28.74) and in the 100 fly (1:03.93).

Stephen Wessenberg won the 100 free (54.23) and placed second in the 50 free (24.31). Walker Marshall placed third in the 100 back (1:06.49). Logan Potter placed second in the 100 breast (1:13.12). Zane Dobler placed third in the breast (1:17.12). Lukas Reiber placed third in diving (6 dives) with 155.0 points.

In the 200 free relay Walker Marshall, Jackson Mugg, Stephen Wessenberg, and Joe Froelicher placed second (1: 39.51) and Michael Zuniga, Logan Potter, Stephen Wessenberg, and Jackson Mugg won the 400 free relay (4:10.47).

The swimmers then set their sights on the state meet in Gillette. You could say Wessenberg foresaw the results.

“We’re training pretty heavy right now,” said Wessenberg. “As a team we’re going to have a few finalists. It’s gonna be fast this year, and I know some records are gonna be broken.”

Just as Wessenberg called it, there was a Thunderbird finalist, and Jackson Mugg made sure everyone knew him.

Mugg left his mark on the East High record books and wrapped up the team’s lone state championship when he posted a 4:52.76 in the 500-yard freestyle.

“I just went out and raced,” said Mugg in an interview with wyosports.net. “I had someone right next to me pushing me. I really wanted to win. I’ve worked really hard for this.”

Mugg also reset East’s school record in the 200 freestyle with his third-place time of 1:47.18.