One team. One fight. Dubuque Hempstead swimming coach Richard Loeffelholz uses this as his motto to motivate his swimmers coming from five different schools. On a team with student-athletes from five schools, it’s important everyone knows they matter.
Out of 37 swimmers, nine come from Wahlert Catholic, three come from West Delaware, two come from Western Dubuque, one comes from Beckman Catholic, and the rest are from Dubuque Hempstead.
“We encourage everyone to provide a positive influence for others. That way we lift our team up to new heights,” Loeffelholz said.
Each athlete who comes from a different school has a different perspective and is unique to the team. “I believe our team learns a lot in getting to know each team member,” Loeffelholz said. To create a strong team bond, they participate in a 24 hours of swimming event.
In 24 hours of swimming, the team participates in various team-building activities such as a rope game, a bags tournament, a capture the flag game, a white elephant exchange, and an inner-squad meet. This takes place during winter break and starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday and ends at 9 a.m. on Sunday.
West Delaware senior Braden Wenger has been swimming for the Dubuque Hempstead team throughout his high school career. Wenger drives one hour and 20 minutes a day to make it to practice. He thrives in the competitive atmosphere at Hempstead.
Out of 37 boys, Wenger competes as one of the 12 on varsity. His biggest accomplishment is being a district champion and punching his ticket to state.
He also enjoys team meals after every home meet. Wenger has made many memories the past few years. “My favorite memory is playing capture the flag because we have so much space in the school to play,” Wenger said.
Another way Loefflholz implements his motto is through what he refers to as put ups. During put ups, each swimmer takes a turn standing in front of his teammates. The teammates take turns saying their favorite memories with the swimmer or something nice about them.
Wenger also enjoys bleaching his hair before competing against Dubuque Senior, their biggest rival. This tradition is found throughout Iowa swim teams.
The team is currently doing well and having fun. The Hempstead swim team is currently second in their conference with a 5-1 record. West Delaware students Clay Mather and Caden Stickney also swim at Hempstead.
On Feb. 8, Braden Wenger placed first in the Men’s 200 Yard IM at districts, qualifying for state on Feb. 14 and 15. Stickney will also compete at state in multiple events.
This story was originally published on Inklings on February 14, 2025.