Special to the Times Vedette
The Perry Area Winter Swim Team (PAWS) made waves this season, showing dedication, teamwork and spirit, according to head coach Dana Stein.
“From practices to meets, every swimmer brought his or her best effort and defined the team’s success,” Stein said.
Throughout the season, the team demonstrated steady improvement, with many athletes achieving personal bests and stepping up in key moments.
“Whether it was a close relay finish or a strong individual performance, the swimmers consistently supported one another, creating an environment built on encouragement and resilience,” Stein said.
Stein said he pushed his athletes to reach their full potential while fostering a love for the sport. His commitment and guidance helped shape not only stronger swimmers but also more confident individuals.
The winter swim team made history this season, capping off months of work and dedication by becoming state champions at the state meet.
On March 14, the team competed in Des Moines at the Wellmark YMCA pool for the Greater Iowa Swim League State Meet. PAWS is made up of swimmers from multiple communities, including Perry, Guthrie, Panora, Jefferson, Adel and Granger. The team is coached by Stein and assistant coach Weston Lucht.
“We have worked really hard to make this one team,” Stein said.
The season began Nov. 1. Of the 115 swimmers, more than 40 also compete for the Guthrie County Swim Team. More than 70 swimmers qualified for the state meet — more than 60% of the team.
PAWS brought 64 swimmers to the state meet, including 25 from the Guthrie County Swim Team. Stein said it was a long season, but the team came together to compete with many of the top swimmers and teams across the state. PAWS won the state meet by nearly 300 points over second-place Spencer.
“We had one new state meet record in the 13-14 boys 400 IM by Dexter Moe,” Stein said. “The team swam like the champions they are.”
Stein has worked with and developed these swimmers for the past seven years.
“It has been amazing to see them grow as swimmers and as individuals,” he said. “I am already looking forward to next season.”
State meet team scores:
- Perry Area Winter Swim Team (PAWS): 2,506 points
- Spencer: 2,216
- Carroll Aquatic Swim Team (CAST): 2,103
- BAWST: 1,166.5
- Denison: 1,141.5
- Harlan: 1,092
- Lifetime: 939
- SEA: 936
- Nishna Valley YMCA: 842
- East Des Moines: 788
- Clarinda: 754.5
- Indianola: 745.5
- Grinnell: 667
- Knoxville: 638
- Estherville: 526
- Newton: 509
- Trident: 443
- Emmetsburg: 264
- Manning: 188
Guthrie County swimmers who participated in the state meet:
Jaetlyn Glade, Fran Brelsford, Jessa Hellman, Malia Jacobsen, Addy Kinman, Everly Knorr, Kennedy Knorr, Lyla Martinson, Cora Steffensen, Eva Steffensen, Isabella Stein, Sophia Stein, Cambree Wolfe, Isaac Armbrecht, Graham Clark, Dayton Crawley, Deacan Crawley, Luke Herron, Lyle Jacobsen, Landon Martinson, Brylon Redfern, Cooper Strehle, Drake Strehle, Cordell Wolfe and Cayla Wolfe.
PAWS will compete in the Midwest Regional Meet on March 28-29, where the team will face competitors from across the central United States.
Drake and Cooper Strehle
Cooper Strehle
Drake Strehle