Athletes from several local schools come together to compete as the Jackson Vikings
Swim Team, a cooperative program that unites swimmers and divers into one
competitive group. This season, it’s the freshmen who are making an immediate
impact.

Roman Planeta and Reid Behncke have quickly stepped into key
roles, proving that experience isn’t required to contribute at a high level.

For Behncke, growth has come in one of swimming’s most demanding events. “My
biggest accomplishment this season was dropping over a minute in the 500-yard
freestyle,” he said. The race has also become his favorite. “I like to swim the 500
because it requires a lot of mental fortitude and physical conditioning.”

Planeta’s contribution comes in a unique way. As both a diver and swimmer, he
splits his time during practice while still being expected to keep up. “My biggest
challenge was just keeping up with the swimmers,” he said. “I get half the practice
and am expected to keep up. I have to push myself very hard to stay or improve
because of that.”

He also highlighted the challenge of the 100-yard butterfly. “It takes a lot of mental
fortitude and strength to get through,” Planeta said. “It might not be a long race, but
it is one of the top three hardest in high school.”
Together, these freshmen are setting the tone for the future of the program, showing
that hard work and determination can make an immediate impact.