In his first year with the Notre Dame boys swim team, sophomore Quinn Collison qualified and competed in the state swim meet. 

This season was only the second full season of competition for the team. The 2022-23 school year was the first season for the team. In that season, the only swimmer was Nick Weslow who also qualified for state. 

“This is my first year on the team and although I signed up for swimming my freshman year, there wasn’t enough interest in the boys’ team to make it happen,” Collison explained.

Because they swam together for a few years prior, Weslow played a big part in convincing Collison to check out Notre Dame.

This year’s team, however, only had three athletes. 

Collison continued, “My teammates Brennan Johnson and Brayden Allard were very supportive over the season, and even though they didn’t make state this year, were eager to watch and see how I would do at state. Their growth this year was unparalleled. I still remember the beginning of the season when they felt like quitting and now they are able to call themselves swimmers.”

During the season, the boys were able to practice at the Kroc Center and the Ashwaubennon Community Pool most nights after school. 

Collision started swimming when he was five or six years old in private lessons and continued swimming with GBSC’s club team as he got older.

At this year’s sectional meet, he placed fifth, which gave him the opportunity to compete at state in the 100m backstroke.

“I think my performance at state was pretty good as I placed a spot higher than the spot I qualified in, and I got a personal best time for the 100-yard backstroke. State overall was just an amazing time and fun to hang out with the guys that I grew up swimming with and get to see how they have advanced,” said Collison.

He explained that this year in high school is where swimming really changed for him. 

“This year, by far, was the most fun I have ever had swimming, and I would encourage everyone to try it at least once, even if you haven’t liked swimming in the past or have never even tried it before,” he said.

Collison had lots of fun competing with teammates his age and improving his skills this year.

He was also very thankful for his coaches. 

“Head Coach Julie was always enthusiastic about coaching every day and continuing to grow the program while helping swimmers have fun while also providing valuable information and experience,” he said.

“Coach Jenny helped me greatly with lots of small changes to my stroke and also helped me to prepare before my meets.”

“I can confidently say without the help of my coaches and teammates, I wouldn’t have been capable of the achievements I gained this season, and I can’t wait to see how much I can improve for the next,” he said.

Collison is anticipating one new member from Southern Door which will allow the team to compete in relays, but he is also hoping for more athletes to join the team. 

“I believe that this year was a great start to a new era of Notre Dame Swimming, and for all that are interested, there will be many opportunities for boys and girls to come and try swimming this summer,” said Collison. “I highly encourage anyone who is looking for more information to contact Coach Julie at [email protected]. She is always welcoming to anyone who would like to try swimming!”