Swimmer making waves

The talent of seven-time state champion youth swimmer and Fox Point resident Alexandra Meyers is obvious.

The 12-year-old set six records, two of which were more than 20 years old, at the Wisconsin 12-and-under Short Course Swimming Championships at the University of Wisconsin last month.

But in the eyes of Schroeder Aquatic Center swim coach Matt Miller, Meyers has something far more important going for her than just talent, something that will likely carry her even further in life.

"She's just a great teammate," Miller said. "She's the first one to encourage someone else. The classic first one here, last one out type of kid. Her willingness to encourage others and help out around here is as important as anything else she does."

The unselfish Meyers will compete in the YMCA Nationals in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. from Saturday through Friday, April 4-10.

Miller has been working with Meyers for four years and said she has building toward an effort like the one she turned in at the three-day short course championships.

"She's a very coachable kid," Miller said. "Another great strength of hers is that she is very even emotionally. You don't see a lot of highs or lows out of her. She doesn't get too disappointed over a poor race or too high after a great one, which was a great benefit in a meet like the short course.

"It's very grueling. It's a Friday through Sunday event and we're out there 12 hours a day both Saturday and Sunday. There's a lot of sitting around, making sure you're taking care of yourself."

Meyers turning in nationally ranked times in earning her titles and records. She was clocked in 53.04 seconds in the 100-yard freestyle, 1:55.91 in the 200 free, 5:08.31 in the 500 free, 10:37.34 in the 1,000 free, 2:12.64 in the 200 individual medley and 4:40.88 in the 400 individual medley.

She also won the 100 individual medley but did not set a state record in the event.

Miller said that Meyers set herself up for the short course championships with a fine effort in an A-plus meet held at Schroeder on Feb. 8. There she set a state record in the 1,650 freestyle (17:43.72). Her time shattered the four-year-old record held by Aja Van Hout (18:27.21). Van Hout is currently ranked fourth nationally in this event.

- Steven L. Tietz, Staff Writer