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44 °F Forecast | Road Cams Monday, February 23, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend February 13, 2004 In the fast lane Ashland swimmer Arron Nelson has his sights on district and state sprint titles By TIM TROWER Mail Tribune No one has stood a ghost of a chance against Arron Nelson in a swimming sprint. No one, that is, if you disregard the wispy character in the adjoining lane of whom only Nelson is aware. The Ashland High senior, who will begin in earnest his quest for a state title today and Saturday at the Southern Oregon Conference district meet, is so far ahead of his competition he must conjure spirits to compete against. Advertisement "It’s really hard to pick up that adrenaline and push to the next level if nobody’s pushing you," says Nelson, who swims the 50- and 100-yard freestyles and a couple relays. "It’s hard to take that step yourself, but I’m trying to train myself to do that. "I have to pretend there’s a ghost in the next lane beating me, and I have to catch up to him. It helps." He has not named his ghost. "It hasn’t gone that far," Nelson laughs. Nelson’s strength is in the 50 free, where his lightning-quick reactions on starts, crisp, efficient turns and a strong stroke in between distinguish him. Barring the unexpected, he’ll be the top returner at the state meet next week in Corvallis. Last year, Nelson placed third in the Class 4A 50 and ninth in the 100. Of the two who touched the wall ahead of him in the short race, state champion Stephen Mecham of Aloha, now a senior, was expected to return to defend his title, while runner-up Ian Calpin of Lake Oswego graduated. However, Mecham left the Warriors’ team during the season, seemingly clearing a path for Nelson. "I’m looking for first at state," says Nelson, "but you never know. There could be a sophomore who pops up out of nowhere who could be just as fast." Indeed. At the recent Mount Hood Conference meet, Kyle Maese of Reynolds (21.88) and Austan Mason of Sandy (21.99) each eclipsed the 22-second barrier, something Nelson has yet to do. Nelson’s personal bests are 22.05 in the 50 and 48.99 in the 100, and both came at the district meet last year. "Those are very, very fast times," says Ashland coach Neil Foley, "but I believe he has an excellent chance to improve them." Nelson hopes to better those marks in today’s preliminaries and, at some point, break the district record in the 50 free, which will take some doing. It’s been untouchable since Curtis Taylor of Ashland clocked 21.34 in 1990, then went on to an All-American college career at Kansas. Nelson has not yet flirted with breaking his PRs. "I’ve swam a little slower than I’d like this year," he says. "Then again, the competition isn’t exactly helping. ... I haven’t had the motivation to kill myself in a meet." Yet, he’s worked harder this season than ever and is pleased with the shape he’s in. It hasn’t shown up in meets as he’s cruised to easy victories, but there have been indications in practice, where he works with Superior Aquatic club members in Medford four days a week. In particular, he and Phoenix’s Justin Heath engage in intense workouts. Heath placed third in the Class 3A 200 and 500 frees last year. "He’s a great swimmer," says Nelson. "He works like an animal in practice. We usually swim together. He helps push me a lot, and I think I help push him." Nelson is the top district seed with times of 22.61 in the 50 and 51.12 in the 100. Dan Johnson of Grants Pass and Scott Goings of South Medford are more than a second behind in the 50, which is about a body length, and more than two seconds behind in the 100. They’ll be "close to my feet, and that will scare me a little," says Nelson. If not, he can count on the ghost. Reach sports editor Tim Trower at 776-4479, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback 3 WEEKS FREE! ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S RESOURCES Oregon Road Conditions & Cams SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Food for Thought Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities Prime Times