Here's the unabridged version -- with more questions and answers -- of the interview with Susquehannock's Zach Phillips that appears in Wednesday's York Daily Record. He's our YAIAA Boys' Swimmer of the Year
By STEVE NAVAROLI
Daily Record/Sunday News
Zach Phillips made the most of his first season swimming with Susquehannock.
A club swimmer extraordinaire, Phillips wanted to be a part of his high school team and enjoy more competitions to go along with his extensive training regimen.
The junior gave the Warriors an instant presence and a dominating force. Individually, he swam away from the field in the YAIAA, District 3 and PIAA championships.
Phillips captured two gold medals at the state meet, winning the 200-yard individual medley (1:54.86) and the 500 freestyle (4:32.97).
He also combined with Jordan Hash, Patrick Hamill and Jonathan Harris to earn sixth-place medals in both the 200 medley relay and 200 freestyle relay for the Warriors, who finished fifth as a team in Class AA at states.
We recently had a question-and-answer session with our YAIAA Boys’ Swimmer of the Year.
What was the highlight of your season?
It wasn’t the individual medals as much as the team’s medals. I thought that was the coolest thing.
Not including yourself, who would you pick for boys’ swimmer of the year?
Either Kevin Marsteller (York Suburban) or Jon Rubritz (Dover). They had really good seasons this year. Jon at the end of the year, and Kevin all year.
Did you exceed your expectations this year?
Not really. I was kind of disappointed with times. I wanted to go faster. The team was good. No one expected anything from our team. Guys stepped up that no one even knew who they were. First meet of season we broke a (school) record. It was crazy.
Is there anything you wished you accomplished this year?
One final goal for season with three meets left was to get Brad (Sloan’s) last (Susquehannock) record, which was in the breaststroke. I missed it by .4 seconds.
What opponent did you enjoy matching up with?
Not really a specific person. Anyone who is willing to step up and race.
What is the difference between high school and club swimming?
I don’t win in club swimming. I don’t even win in practice. There are kids that destroy me. We have an eighth-grader with four national records.
What teammate would you want with you in a sticky situation?
It depends, they all have different qualities. Brian Collins (club team), he is everything all rolled into one. (Susquehannock teammate) Bonnie Fisher, she is great. She is happy-go-lucky.
What do you think you will be doing at this time next year?
Training for summer nationals. I have a season to do that.
Would you consider shaving your head (like many swimmers)?
I would do it if the team really needed me to for morale. This year we played a game of poker and whoever lost all their money first had to shave their heads. (It wasn’t Zach).
Is the water ever too cold?
Not really. In some places it is colder than you are used to. It can’t affect your swimming.
If you weren’t a swimmer, what sport would you do?
I’d probably be fat or sit on the computer and play games. I played baseball and soccer when younger, and I am not very coordinated. I don’t like running so that doesn’t work well.
What is your favorite movie?
If I have to pick what movie, I’d pick “The Phantom of the Opera.� It’s kind of weird, but it is one of my favorite movies of all time.
What music is in your MP3/CD player now?
Hot Cross. It is an experimental type band. It is kind of hard-core screaming, a mosh pit kind of thing.
What is your favorite TV show?
(Music) channel called Fuse. It is for more the music I listen to. It is a good channel.
What is not known about Zach Phillips?
Not really much. I am completely open with everybody.
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