Before Jordan Zendejas hits the diving board this week at state finals, he will be listening to his iPod and tuning the rest of the world out.
‘I am not thinking about the competition because that usually throws me off,? said Zendejas. ‘Even if there is one day and no competition I can get really nervous for some reason.?
He has set his goal to win the state championship this year and has been working on that goal since he visited states last year and didn’t place.
‘During the summer I went to Oakland University,? he explained. ‘There is a team called Legacy there for any age. It was amazing and helped me so much. I am 3-4 times better than last year and have a good chance to win.?
Also returning to the state finals this week are seniors Jake Rush and Bobby Nelson.
Nelson will be swimming in the 200 IM and has his aim on the top 16.
‘I am just trying to do the best I can and help to push the team and motivate everybody,? said Nelson
Rush will swimming in 100 backstroke for the second time at states and plans to place in the top eight and be All-State. He will also be swimming in the 50 freestyle event.
Kenny Stelpflug will be swimming in the 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle, where his goal is to place in the top eight.
Nelson and Rush will be joined by Mike Inch and Steve Nelson in the 200 medley and 400 freestyle relays as they swim to their goal to place in the top 16.
‘I am really excited we are going this year and we should place,? said Coach Kenwyn Chock. ‘It will be the first time Clarkston has scored any points at states. We are pretty spread out and even have diving.?
This year will also be the first time the Wolves have the most swimmers going and the most events they are participating in.
The state finals are this Friday and Saturday at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti.
Competitions begin at noon each day. Admission is $7 for both days.