Washington High School senior Mason Kauffeld made history at the MSHSAA Class 1 Swimming Championships at the St. Peters Rec-Plex on Saturday, November 14.
Kauffeld became the first swimmer in school history to become a state medalist, and he did it in two events.
Kauffeld captured third-place honors in the 100-yard breaststroke in a time of 58.16 and fifth-place honors in the 200-yard individual medley in a time of 1:58.35. He held the lead at one point during the 100-yard breaststroke finals race.
“Preparing for the state meet was stressful, but a good kind of stress,” Kauffeld said. “When arriving to school that morning, the boys (swim) team and the girls (swim) team were there to send me off, which was really cool. I swam better than I thought I would. It’s really exciting. I’m thrilled.
Kauffeld was Washington’s only qualifier at the state championships and earned 30 team points, placing the Blue Jays in 19th place in the team standings.
“When you get to the state meet, you don’t really expect anything. You hope what you have down at that point is enough,” Kauffeld said. “I just went there and gave everything that I had. It was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the experience.”
Kauffeld also is the KLPW Radio Athlete of the Week.
Click here for more details.
Mason will continue to swim for his club team in Kirkwood and he’s the manager of the WHS girls swim team this winter. He plans to swim in college, but hasn’t decided where. He’ll study Pre-Dental. Mason is the son of Brad and Carrie Kauffeld.
Mason Kauffeld