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Former Boardman swimmer made splash at Westminster
By Curtis Pulliam
Looking back four years ago, long-time Westminster swimming and diving coach Rob Klamut would be the first to say he wasn’t sure what he was going to get from Steven Brooks.
“In the past we have had very good luck with swimmers from Boardman,” Klamut said. “During the recruiting process he wasn’t our top recruit, but he came in and he matured and blossomed.”
Steven’s older brother Mark was a swimmer for Klamut, so he decided to take a chance.
It paid off.
Brooks saved his best for his senior season as he qualified for the NCAA Division III championships in the 100 backstroke and 200 backstroke.
Brooks also participated in the 50 freestyle.
He finished 10th in the 200 backstroke with a school-record of 1:47.78 and 11th in the 100 backstroke 48.90.
Brooks — a swimmer since the age of 6 — couldn’t have asked for a better finish to his career.
“This was one of the best seasons I’ve been a part of in my four years in this program,” Brooks said. “Everything kind of came together this year and the team had a really good relationship.”
Last year, Brooks made it to the NCAA championships and placed 17th in the 100 backstroke and 21st in the 200 backstroke.
“I focused more on dropping time this year,” he said.
Brooks was proud of the progress he made.
“I was more just happy to be there last year,” Brooks said. “I had never really done a meet that big before in high school or college. The nerves were a lot higher. I put a lot more pressure on myself to do well.”
Having been a part of the meet his junior season, Brooks focused more on the swim more than surroundings.
“I had an idea of what I was going into, the competition and setting of the meet,” Brooks said. “This year I was a little more prepared mentally.”
The progress came because of Steven’s work ethic according to Klamut.
“He is an extremely hard worker and worked hard all four years,” Klamut said. “He had a lot of determination and drive.”
Those characteristics helped Brooks out when it came to practicing twice a day, every day.
“We practiced lots of hours and during all times of the day,” Brooks said.
Brooks was a two-time captain and considered a leader for the team. It was a role he embraced.
“Holding the position was a little bit easier than last year,” Brooks said.
Klamut was not surprised by the way he led.
“As a leader, everybody has a certain way,” Klamut said. “He was OK with everyone. He was pretty even keel and everyone really respected him.
“He didn’t speak often, but when he did everybody listened.”
Brooks is graduating this year with a degree in business administration.
He has a couple career opportunities in front of him and knows he might be finished with competitive swimming.
“Keeping up with the high-intensity training I have been doing since high school is difficult to do,” Brooks said. “Swimming is a great way to stay in shape and a great workout, but keeping up the way we’ve been doing it is unrealistic.”