Evan Vega’s lane to a berth in this weekend’s Class 2 State Swim Meet hasn’t followed a typical path.
Vega didn’t start swimming until he was 14 years old and this is first season competing at the high school level. He enrolled at Ozark this year for this first time after being home-schooled through his junior year.
“I knew as soon as I made the decision to come to public school, it was going to be a jump and a transition,” Vega said. “I wanted to get a taste of what it's like because I've been home-schooled for 11 years. So far so good. It's been a heck of an experience.
“I'm enjoying school and am enjoying swimming here,” he added. “I've made tons of friends. I'm having a great time meeting new people.”
Vega is also enjoying success. He’ll compete at State in the 100 backstroke and two relays. He’s made great strides, in particular in the 100 backstroke.
“I knew before the season there was a very slim chance of me making it to State,” Vega said. “But I was willing to do anything to get there and I made it. It was very last-minute, but I was able to make it. I was close to not making it, it was scary. At the SWMO Championships. I dropped 1.6 seconds in the 100 back (to finish third in 43.49).
“That was a total shock,” he added. “That was my second full-second improvement in a row. I can't complain. It's been great progress.”
If Vega can continue such progress, he could find himself on the medals stand.
“I’m certainly going to give it everything I've got to see how far I can go,” he said.
“It's been fun to watch Evan grow,” coach Steve Boyce said. “He's learned a lot about racing and training. His 100 back is very nice now. It will be fun to see him at State.”
Vega swam for a club team for three years and considered quitting, before joining Ozark.
“I thought I was done with swimming for a while,” Vega said. “I thought I was done because I got in a dry spot. I got sick of it. I was burned out. But I saw a chance to come here and thought, 'Let's give it a shot.' Swimming here has been a great change. I’m really glad I made the choice to come here. I'm proud to be a member of our swim team.”
