Features

Kamiak senior swimmer Daniel Schmidt lay in his hospital bed last Wednesday, barely aware of his surroundings, too weak to even eat, a pin cushion of IVs that constantly re-hydrated his battered body.

Sorry, buddy, thats just not gonna happen, doctors said of his plan to compete in the state championship Saturday.

At perhaps the worst time in his life, Schmidt was battling a viral hat trick: mononucleosis, strep throat and the flu. He lost 10 pounds over spring break.

We went to visit him Tuesday, his eyes were red, his face all swollen, teammate Tyler Carriker recalled. I said My God, he looks really bad.

Less than 72 hours later, Schmidt and his fifth-seeded teammates were hoisting the schools first ever 4A state swimming championship, setting four new school records in the upset. Schmidt was a significant factor, leading two relay teams to victory and placing fifth in his individual event, the 50 freestyle.