Twelve seniors will compete in their final meet at state in Hardin

It's all about the water.

And a guy named Paul Stelter.

Those two things have made swimming at Flathead High School an unforgetable experience for twins Jenna and Jessa Thiel, both 17, Aska Hokazono, 18, and Brian Brady, also 18, and their eight senior teammates

All will be competing this weekend at the state meet in Hardin. This will also be their final competition together.

"The social aspect of it," said Hokazono of what has kept her going year after year in this very demanding sport.

"My friends are in swimming. Paul (Stelter) is the coach. He's like a second father."

The Thiels and Hokazono embarked on their great swim journey, like many of their teammates, as youngsters with the KATS swim program. Stelter also coached them at that level.

"The only reason I stayed with it was because of coach Stelter," said Jessa Thiel.

"We respect him so much, we want to do our very best."

"Totally because of Paul," added Jenna.

"He's the most upbeat, positive person I know. Always happy and postive, even at 5 in the morning."

That's when the Braves and Bravettes head for the pool at The Summit for their daily practice.

"Meditate," said Jenna of what has helped her get through those grueling early morning sessions.

"If you want to be happy, you can be. If you want to be in a good mood, you can be."

This will be the fourth state swim meet for Brady and the Thiels. It will be No. 3 for Hokazono.

Brady last year finished first in the 50 freestyle and placed third in the 100 freestyle. He finished sixth as a sophomore and eighth as a freshman in the 50 free.

He's also one of the few FHS swimmers still with the KATS.

"To be competitive, I need to swim all year," he said.

"It's hard to do (year-round). Some practices I've skipped."

Brady says he enjoys the togetherness the most.

"'Whenever anyone is on the (starting) block, they are cheering. It pumps you up."

It also has an effect on the opposition.

"We intimidate the heck out of the other teams," said Jenna.

"We are tenacious," admitted Stelter.

"It always looks like we're having so much fun out there compared to the other teams. It's inspiring the amount of support they (boys and girls) give each other."

Jenna Thiel will compete in four events at state - 50 free, 100 breaststroke, 200 free relay and 200 medley relay.

Last year she finished fifth in the 50 free and sixth in the 100 breast. The 200 medley took a first and the 200 free relay was second.

She also placed at state as a sophomore, taking a sixth in the 100 breast and seventh in the 100 butterfly.

Jessa Thiel will be competing in the 50 and 100 free along with the 200 medley and 200 free relays.

Last year at state, she finished fifth in the 100 free and seventh in the 50 free. She added a second as a member of the 200 free relay.

As a sophomore at state, she swam on two winning relays - 200 free and 200 medley - and swam on the third place 400 free relay. Individually, she was fifth in the 50 free.

She swam on two winning relays her freshman season - 200 medley and 200 freestyleâ and took a fourth in the 50 free.

"Like family," said Jessa Thiel of all her teammates.

"We all get along."

One of the things that helps with the togetherness aspect is the Friday night spaghetti dinner before each meet. It takes place at a different household each week.

The other swim traditions include the annual Speedo Run by the boys through the school hallways before the state meet, girls not shaving their legs the entire season and boys shaving theirs the day before state.

So, what's the most challenging thing about swimming, other than waking up to an alarm clock at 5 a.m.?

"It's very hard to learn the techniques for the strokes," said Brady.

"There is always something you can perfect on," added Hokazono.

"You know you can always do something a little faster, better," said Jessa Thiel.

"It's not an instant success thing," said Stelter.

While this is the final competitive swim outing for the Thiels, Hokazono and Brady, they all have college in their plans.

Brady will study mechanical engineering at the University of North Dakota. Hokazono plans to major in psychology, but is undecided on a school.

Jenna Thiel will attend Montana State and study pre-medicine and Jessa Thiel will also attend MSU, but major in pre-physical therapy.