Small Celebration Goes Swimmingly

Librarian Marilyn Jackson threw a party for swimmer Will Rose to celebrate his achievements in the state meet

Coach Mike Bugara, Will Rose, Head Coach Marikay Kuntzman and Coach Corey Unckrich take a selfie after the District meet in Cleveland


Sophomore Will Rose walked into class expecting a normal period but was instead greeted by the shouts and praise of his friends.

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Will recently competed at the OHSAA (Ohio High School Athletic Association) Swimming and Diving State Tournament, winning second place in the 100-yard freestyle and third place in the 100-yard backstroke.

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According to Will, the competition was enjoyable, saying: “It was a big arena and I knew most of the competitors, so it was fun to see them race.”

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Even though Will was aiming for first, he was still satisfied with his performance.

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“I was happy. I got my best time,” he said.

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But AHS librarian Mrs. Marilyn Jackson still felt he deserved a celebration, saying she “just wanted to do something nice.”

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After setting up a small space in the library with cupcakes, punch, and a drawing of a swimmer with the words “AHS Swim,” Mrs. Jackson and a group of Will’s classmates surprised him as he walked into the room, cheering his name.

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Will was shocked but grateful, saying that it was “really cool” and that he “wasn’t expecting this.” While only a small party, it was enough to show Will how proud his friends are of him.

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At the State meet, Will placed second with a season-best time of 44.62 in the 100 freestyle.

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In the 100 backstroke, he placed third with a time of 49.35- losing to a first place tie by one one hundredth of a second.

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“The finishes are by hand-touch pads, which are very precise,” said Coach Marikay Kuntzman. “One can only imagine how close this race actually was.’

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“Will swam the best races of his career,” she said. “We as coaches could not be more proud.

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Kuntzman called Will “a true performer, a dedicated athlete and a great teacher and student of the sport. He has swum every high school event this season and will continue his training this summer.”

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Currently, Will Rose is the fourth fastest 15-year-old swimmer in the United States in the 100-yard freestyle.

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This year he broke six school records that he had set previously: The 200-yard freestyle (1:41.49), 200-yard IM (2:00.82), 100-yard butterfly (52.49), 100-yard freestyle (44.42),  500-yard freestyle (4:52.17) and 100-yard backstroke (49.35).

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Will trains more than two hours a day, every day except Sunday, to perfect his skill. Very few in the swim world have the talent, drive and determination that he has.

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- Michael Zornes contributed to this story