2 February 2024
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Wichita Northwest swimmer Brock Wallace has made a big splash in the pool over the past four years. This season, he’s already qualified for the KSHSAA 6A Championship Meet in six individual events.
It won’t be his first time making a championship appearance.
We have a pretty high standard with our program. We go to state every year. But in individuals, it’s a lot harder to get to state,” explained Northwest head swim coach Courtney Fast. “I’ve never had anyone that consistent every year, you know, freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior making it to state in individuals.”
Wallace is the reigning 6A state champion in the 200m IM and the 200m backstroke. It’s his work ethic that makes him one of the best in Kansas and at Northwest.
“Mental grit. You know, I’ve always wanted to win. And that comes from competing in practice against teammates and overall just wanting to win races and be among the top,” said Wallace.
And the senior is at his prime in the pool. He has broken six school records in the last three weeks. He’s stands as the best Grizzly to ever race in the 200m IM, 200m freestyle, 100m backstroke, 100m breaststroke, 100m freestyle, and the 500m.
“Coming in, I wanted to surpass some of the records I had from past years. Did I think I’d get this many? Not necessarily, but better than some of the greats we’ve had So it’s been pretty cool to surpass some of those milestones. So overall I’d say I’m exceeding expectations,” said the athlete.
“He’s a competitor,” added Coach Fast, “He just wants to get out there and win every time. It doesn’t matter what event I put him in, if I try to switch things up on him, he still wants to win whether it’s his strongest race or not.”
Wallace also has a strong support system to help him succeed in every race.
“His parents Mike and Jill Wallace, they are officials. And so they’ve been with us for four years and they come and officiate all of our meets. It takes a village, and we definitely have that community. His parents and us and the whole school just really rallies behind him,” explained Fast.
The community has watched Wallace swim to the top. He currently ranks as the second-best high school boys swimmer in Kansas. He also has six marks that stand in the top-two in the state this season.
“I definitely want to be at the top in as many things as possible. But overall, I know what the end goal is and I’m just trying to stay focused on the end,” said Wallace.
And that end goal is to cap off his high school career with even more accolades.
“I definitely want to repeat and get two more state titles. I’m not sure which events yet. And also looking higher at possible state records, All-American, things like that,” he said.
Once his season concludes, Wallace’s ten-year swim career will continue on. The senior has already signed to compete at Cleveland State University next year.
The coaches and the team, I absolutely loved it… It felt like family,” said Wallace, “And then the goals they have, you know, lined up with things that I feel like I can contribute to. And just hearing their goals and where they want to be in the future just made me excited and felt like home.”
“He’s had a phenomenal career here, but he is an athlete, like he’s a competitor and he’s going to be great at the next level as well,” said Coach Fast.
The talented young swimmer has his sights set on success.