MARYSVILLE — Oliver Durand secured his legacy at Marysville-Pilchuck in less than two minutes.
It was only fitting in a meet that saw one of M-P’s finest performances — a 142-39 thrashing of Everett Jan. 20 — that Durand distinguish himself from the pack, winning two individual events and setting a school record.
“That’s been something I’ve been trying to get all season,” said Durand after besting Chris Stoken’s 18-year-old school record of 1:44.64 in the 200 free.
The senior, who placed sixth in the state at 200 freestyle in 2009, looks to improve on last season. And he has been on pace to do so, peaking at the right time. He set personal records in the 50 (22.73) and 200 (1:44.15) free against Everett — both wins.
“My races have been a little off but I thought hard about all of them last night,” he said.
Coach Scott Knowles said Durand’s accomplishments have much more to do with his work ethic.
“It takes a lot of work to be where he’s at,” Knowles said. “And that’s the kind of kid he is.”
Durand also helped the 200- and 400-yard relay teams place first. The 200 team consisted of Spencer Girard, Jason Pusateri and Brandon Caldwell, while the 400 team featured Matthew Knowlton, Derek Kent and Robbie Haynes.
Of course, success makes for good leaders, but with Durand it’s more than being the first swimmer in school history to post state qualifying times in all eight individual events. With a light personality out of the pool and steadfast concentration in it, Durand said he learned how to carry himself from 2009 M-P grad Trevor LeValley.
“Trevor was always a role model to me,” Durand said of the 2009 state champion in the 200 IM. “He helped me and showed me how to train and now I’m trying to do those same things for some of the younger guys.”
Durand has been the leader of the undefeated Tomahawks (10-0) this season, and some of that work ethic is rubbing off on the younger swimmers.
Sophomore Andrew Winquist won the 100 free (53.35) while juniors Girard, Haynes and Eddie Olivera won took top spots in the 200 IM (2:04.01), 500 free (5:39.99) and 100 butterfly (1:02.04), respectively.
The Tommies have just one regular season meet remaining against the other undefeated team, Oak Harbor, and the defending class 4A state champion Kamiak to decide the Wesco North champion — and who to swim in what events at the district meet.
Another state placing — to go along with the No. 8 in 2008 and No. 7 in 2009 — would be the capper on an already impressive career for Durand, who can now walk back into the Marysville pool and see his name next to LeValley’s.
