By Kyle McCaskey

Maize has had a dynamic boys’ swimming program for years. Derby knows a league title goes through Maize, but the Panthers have set their target on taking down the Eagles.

“Maize will be hard to beat, but our boys are determined,” said Jimmy Adams, Derby head coach. “We’re not going down without a fight, at least.”

Maize made its statement at the Winfield Invitational on Saturday, scoring 499 team points for the title. Derby placed second, and now sees the gap it has to close before the league meet.

Leading Derby’s push is senior Erik Russell. In the 100-yard butterfly, Russell pushed Winfield’s Keiser Witte to the limit, falling less than a second short of knocking off one of the state’s elite swimmers. 

Russell has always been close, but may have crossed the line into elite status himself.

Adams said one of Russell’s goals was to qualify for state in every event. So far, Russell has made consideration times in almost every event he has swum, Adams said. 

“You can put Erik into any event,” Adams said. “His size is coming into play a little bit, but you can’t count that kid’s heart out in anything. He’s more determined than anyone I’ve seen.”

Russell joined Liam Ormiston, Dalton Kendall and Jackson Sandstrom in the 200 freestyle relay. Derby won the event by nearly two seconds over Campus – the Panthers’ only first-place showing in Winfield.

Carl Mayou provided a third-place finish for Derby in the 50 freestyle, about two seconds behind Witte, who championed the event. Sandstrom placed fourth in the 200 IM.

Kendall, a sophomore transfer student, provided Derby with a fourth-place finish in the 100 backstroke. Adams said Kendall will likely make a relay team, and with some added strength, could push for state consideration times in individual events.

“He’s got some natural speed. We put him in the events that he’s strongest at,” Adams said. “He’s pretty determined. He wants to make it to state.”

Senior Blake Little continues to provide needed points for Derby in diving. Little took fourth in Winfield. Adams credited Assistant Coach Ron Meisch with turning an inexperienced group into a positive for the Panthers.

“Ron is working really well with the divers. He’s gotten all of our first year divers doing some good things and placing in some meets,” Adams said. 

Derby held a home invitational on Jan. 10, and first place became a common theme.

Russell and Sandstrom each placed first in two events. Kole Nottingham was one of only two competitors to swim the 500 freestyle in under six minutes on his way to the top medal. Bryce Hill won the 100 breaststroke by more than four seconds. Derby also won all three relay events. 

The Panthers will compete in the Wichita Heights Invitational this Friday and Saturday.