Clovis High swimmer Everett Ward hopes to compete at the collegiate level

Clovis High senior Everett Ward qualified for the Junior Nationals during a swimming meet earlier this month in Houston.

His time of 52.35 seconds in the 100-meter backstroke placed him 17th among 200 swimmers of all ages in the event, but qualified him for the third-highest level in U.S. swimming.

Senior Nationals and Olympic trials are the top two divisions, Clovis High swim coach Vincent DeMaio said.

The 6-foot-4, 190-pound Everett holds five school records and finished second in the 500-meter freestyle at state last year.

The backstroke is your specialty, but what other events to you compete in?

Along with the 100-meter backstroke I enjoy the 200 freestyle and the 500 freestyle.

What is your favorite race?

Probably the 200 free because of the challenge it offers. It is neither a full-on sprint or a distance swim, It requires a large amount of strategy.

How do you prepare mentally for a race and do you have any superstitions?

Before a race I usually just relax and listen to music. I also form a stress-free mindset for the race to come. If I know that I have prepared in practice then I am ready so there is no need for stress.

How many laps a week on average do you swim during the season?

We swim anywhere from 20,000 meters to 50,000 meters a week, It usually depends on how many practices we get in during the week. (And coach's mood as well!)

What is the strangest thing you think about when your mind drifts while you're swimming practice laps?

Most of the time when my mind drifts I end up playing connect the dots with certain spots on the bottom of the pool. Little things like that can help the long workouts go by a little bit faster.

Who is your favorite swimmer?

Nathan Adrian, the world record holder in the 50 and the 100 freestyle.

What is the difference between a good race and a great race?

For me, my definition of a good race is when I feel strong the majority of the race. A great race is when I set a personal best time.

How long have you been swimming competitively?

Seven years.

What is your first memory of learning how to swim?

Honestly, I only learned to swim the year before I joined the swim team. I learned the summer before my fourth-grade year of school.

Did you ever have to wear floaties?

When I was younger but my parents always had a hard time trying to keep me in them.

If you could swim in any body of water in the world, where would it be?

The English Channel, because it is widely known in the open water swimming community for being difficult.

What other sports did you play before focusing on swimming?

In kindergarten I attempted (emphasis on attempted) to play football for a year.

What are you future plans as far as a college?

Right now I am looking to swim at the collegiate level.

— Compiled by Managing Editor Rick White