By Murray Gleffe, Correspondent
Name: Mark Teske
Sport: Boys Swimming
Twitter: @markus_teske2
Mark Teske has qualified for State in an amazing 4 events the past two seasons.
In his Junior campaign, Teske took 5th in the 200 Freestyle and 6th in the 500 Freestyle.
He was also part of two relay teams (200 and 400) that finished 3rd and 5th respectively.
Teske is currently being sought after by multiple universities for his swimming and academic talent!
What is it like to be a leader on the Ashwaubenon swim team? “It is an extremely humbling experience. Max (White) and Eric (Van Dyck) really set the bar high the past couple of seasons. The bond Joe Stone, Coach Merner, and I share is undeniable and it helps to get all of us on the same page. Having such a diverse group of athletes with so many sports represented creates a wonderful training atmosphere. Leading all of these guys will definitely be something I will remember forever.”
What is your most embarrassing moment ever in swimming? “It would have to be last year at State. I got done with the 500 Freestyle and threw up in the trash can in front of thousands of people while being photographed by parents.”
How many years have you been involved in swimming? “I have been swimming ever since I can remember. I believe I started training competitively around the age of 4 and I have been in love with the sport ever since.”
What is your most memorable moment in swimming? “The most memorable moment would be taking 2nd as a team last year at State. We had such an amazing group of guys contribute to the whole process. The Jaguars hadn’t finished that high in over 15 years and it really made me feel like I had left my mark on Ashwaubenon, even though I have one final go at it.”
What’s the hardest part about swimming? “Most definitely getting into the pool at the beginning of practice. We all just stand at the edge staring at the water for a bit knowing that first jump in is going to be one of the most uncomfortable things we do that day.”
If you could be somebody for a day, who would it be? “I would like to be Coach Bob Bowman. He’s such an admirable guy. He has coached four plus Olympic teams which is amazing. Coaching a power house collegiate program would be quite the experience.”
What are your college aspirations? “I do not know where I will be attending school, but I plan on swimming and majoring in Economics before I hopefully go off to Law School.”
What would your dream job be once you graduate? “My dream job is to become a corporate attorney for multiple large companies.”
What are your hobbies? “I don’t have many hobbies due to the time commitment swimming takes up. Somehow, though, I find time to hang out with my friends and go hunting or fishing.”
What is your favorite sporting event ever attended? “It would have to be the Packers vs. Vikings game three years ago. Watching the Vikings come into Lambeau and win the NFC North was something I will never forget.”
What is your favorite type of music? “I listen to all different types of music, but rap definitely tops the charts on my phone.”
What is your favorite thing to do on your phone? “I love listening to new music to drown out the pain in my shoulders after long practices.”
What three words describe you? “Hard working, determined, energetic”
What is your favorite trip ever taken? “Going down to Mexico with my whole family before all my sisters went off to college.”
Favorites:
Food:
Anything with carbs
Subject:
History
TV Show:
Suits
Athlete:
Conor Dwyer
Board Game:
Angry Monopoly during team bonding
Candy:
Swedish Fish
Ice Cream:
Pistachio
Holiday:
Thanksgiving
Season:
Summer
Comments on Mark Teske: “Over the past three seasons, I have been privileged to be a part of Mark’s progress as a swimmer and a young man,” said Jaguar Swim Coach Jim Merner. “As a captain this year, Mark has been an excellent leader within this team. He works hard to inspire those around him in practice and in meets. He is a dedicated swimmer who has yet to miss a practice this season (which is something special since we do so many morning and after school practices). Mark is a talented swimmer and has made a strong mark in the Division 2 state rankings. He was an All-State swimmer last year and played a pivotal role in our 2nd place team finish. Mark has displayed great success in his Freestyle events which range from the sprint 50 Free all the way up to the 500 Free. We will again depend upon his talents in those events. I have enjoyed challenging him and watching him accept those challenges with a great desire to succeed. He will be sorely missed on this team after graduating this summer.”