Senior Nathan Neppl helped the sixth-ranked Ankeny boys’ swimming team to a fourth-place finish in the Little Hawk Invitational on Saturday at the Coralville Recreation Center.
Neppl place seventh in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:04.69 and finished 11th in the 200 individual medley in 2:11.97. He also swam on the Hawks’ third-place 200 medley relay.
Here is some inside info on Neppl:
How is the season going thus far?
It has been going pretty well. My 100 breast times are ahead of last year’s pace.
Were you happy with your performances at the Little Hawk Invitational?
It was a good meet. In the 200 medley relay my breast split was the best I have ever done. The 200IM and the 100 breast were very near my season bests as well. At this point in the season that is a good sign.
What did you think of your team’s performance?
Throughout this season I have seen significant improvement on our team. We have a lot of freshmen and new swimmers who are stepping up and providing a lot of fast times.
What are your individual goals for the season?
My time goal is to break 1 minute in the 100 breast, but my primary goal is to make it back to state and score points for the team at state.
Do you think your team can contend for another trophy at the state meet?
With only four returning state swimmers it is going to be a challenge, but with the improvements the team is achieving I think we have a chance at a good finish. We still have quite a bit of time and training left to improve.
Waukee is the defending state champion, and your team will face the Warriors in a dual meet on Tuesday at Waukee. Do you think they will be the team to beat at the state meet?
We have already faced some pretty competitive teams this season so I know there are several really strong teams out there. That said, Waukee will definitely be a top contender.
What other teams do you think could contend for the state title?
Both Bettendorf and Iowa City West showed on Saturday they have strong, deep teams and will likely be near the top.
Your best event is the breaststroke. Is it your favorite event as well, and why do you think you excel in it?
The 100 breast and the 200 IM are my two favorite events, and those are the ones I swim the most. I have always had a strong breaststroke kick which helps after the pullout.
What is your least favorite stroke? Why?
Butterfly. I have never been able to consistently get my timing down.
Are you planning to swim in college?
I am hopeful to swim in college, but not every school I am looking at has a swim program.
Do you have any big plans for the holidays, other than a lot of training?
You are right–with practice it is tough to get away over the break. I plan on staying home and spending time with family.