Anderson enjoys stellar freshman year

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Featured Athlete Of The Week

Jaxon Anderson more than made his presence felt last season as a freshman swimmer for Tippecanoe. Not only did he produce many top times in the Miami Valley League in various events, but he also advanced to the state meet in Canton.

Now as he heads into his sophomore campaign, Anderson hopes to put together another quality season.

Anderson was looking forward to swimming at the high school level when he arrived on the scene last year. One of his biggest moments was getting to swim with his successful sister Avery.

“I was pretty excited to swim for Tipp because I have been swimming on my club team for several years and I knew I could help our ‘small but mighty’ team succeed,” Anderson said. “I was also looking forward to being a part of the team that my sister was always proud of.”

“As for my highlights, MVLs were one of my favorite moments. I swam and PR’d in the 500 free, placed first in the league. I also placed second in the 200 free for that meet as well. I’ve never competed in a meet or event to stand on the podium, so to be standing on the top as a freshman was pretty awesome.”

“Another highlight was swimming the 500 free at the Southwest Classics with a club teammate, where we just pushed each other to reach PRs. To wrap up my freshman year, swimming at Districts was interesting. I did not PR that day in my events, but I did podium there (7th place), hoping that was enough to make it to state.”

“Going to state was the ultimate highlight of my freshman year. It was a huge honor to go to Canton and compete and represent my school, all while being there with my sister Avery (who also went to state in the same event) for her final season.”

Speaking of state, Anderson will always reflect on his first trip to state with excitement, as he was competing against swimmers three and four years older than he was.

“Going to state was definitely incredible, especially as a freshman,” he said. “I have competed at large competitions for club where you have to have specific times, and there are older swimmers. However, the atmosphere at an OHSAA State competition is almost surreal.”

“I had never been to Canton’s facility, nor have I ever experienced that type of meet. I don’t stress about meets, but I do get nervous at the block. Once I hit the water, I just swim. I most definitely wish to return to State next season.”

“I know that I need to stay focused throughout the season, keep pushing myself to do a little better each time. I would absolutely love it if we could get a relay to state this next year. Of course, my goal is to go back in the 500 and possibly the 200 next season.”

With the summer behind us now, Anderson hopes that what he worked on during the offseason will help him produce even more as a sophomore.

“I swam this summer on my club team. It’s a little different of a season because it’s considered Long Course which is competing in 50 meter pools,” he said. “These longer distances often create a challenge to push me even in the off-season. I will also start back up in the fall with my club team to help prepare for the high school season. I stay busy year round.”

When he is not in the pool, Anderson loves to take part in the Tippecanoe band, which is also very time-consuming. It is all about balance for his time to make sure all of his activities are covered.

“I am in my third season of marching band, and currently, band is my priority because it is my fall activity,” he said. “So, I basically prioritize my commitments, and if I have a conflict, I try my best to balance and move on.”

“Of course, my number one is academics. I also take private lessons in piano and saxophone, all on top of a part time job at the Caroline in Troy. So again, balance and priorities are my life…I simply tell myself ‘I got this’.”.

“I play the alto saxophone for the marching band and the bassoon for the concert band. I have always loved music, so being able to play music with friends is awesome. In all honesty, music comes pretty easy to me.  We are excited for this year’s show, Phoenix Rising!”

Anderson also has participated in the science fair for the last five years, making it to the state level three times.

“I love geology and plant science the most,” Anderson said. “I have a lot of passions so as long as it is fun and I am interested it’s all good.”

6. Even though you’re young, do you have any idea of what you want to do when you graduate? Any majors you’re thinking about or a dream job that you’re aiming for?

I have many things I am interested in! I would like to attend a college, maybe check out their Marching Band or even their swim program. I had a dream a couple years ago about attending the University of Hawaii to study horticulture, however now that that is just a few years away I think staying closer to home is more ideal! I have thought about Civil Engineering, but I truly am open to exploring my passions and seeing what the world has to offer.