Perkins County Swim Team dries off after making waves all summer: Community support and strong finishes define a memorable season
By Emmalee Parsley Stevens
Grant Tribune Sentinel
The Perkins County swim team has wrapped up a thrilling and memorable summer season in the Plains Tsunami Swim League, competing against 28 teams from across Nebraska, northern Kansas, and eastern Colorado. Under the guidance of coaches Megan Hoff, Kara Hatcher, and Cole Rogge, the team—made up of 40 young athletes from Perkins County and Ogallala—put in weeks of hard work, early morning practices, and miles of laps, culminating in an impressive showing at the Championship Meet in Lexington on July 19.
“We had swimmers who started the season needing a ‘buddy swimmer’ just to get across the pool,” said Coach Megan Hoff. “By the end of the summer, those same kids were swimming their events independently—and loving it.”
A Full and Fierce Season
The team’s meet schedule included stops in Holyoke, Imperial, McCook, Wray, and Lexington, with their home meet hosted on June 28. Weekly practices ran Monday through Thursday, with ages 11 and up training from 8 to 9 a.m., and swimmers 10 and under from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Coach Hoff expressed her appreciation to Brittany Brott and the pool staff for their flexibility during weather disruptions, ensuring that every swimmer had a chance to train and grow.
The team’s home meet was a true community effort. Parents, lifeguards, and volunteers filled crucial roles—timing, running the ready area, starting races, collecting and entering results, and handling the all-important ribbons. The annual concession stand fundraiser helped cover the team’s expenses, including pool fees, swim caps, and even a pizza party to celebrate the season’s end.
Championship Success
Qualifying for the championship meet is no small feat: only the top 16 individual swimmers and top 8 relays in each event make the cut. Despite stiff competition, Perkins County athletes brought home multiple medals and standout performances.
Highlights from Individual Events:
Emmy Tjaden (8U Female) won the Bronze High Point Medal, with a 1st place finish in the 50 Free.
Joslyn Korth (8U Female) earned the Silver High Point Medal, winning the 25 Free and placing 2nd in two additional events.
Gemma Jones (8U Female) captured 1st place in the 25 Backstroke.
Seylah Miller (12U Female) took 1st place in the 100 Individual Medley and also earned a Bronze High Point Medal.
Cole Rogge (HS/College Male) made waves of his own by setting two new league records in the 50 Butterfly and 50 Freestyle, also earning the Silver High Point Medal.
Notable Relay Finishes:
1st Place – HS/College Coed 200 Free Relay: Micah Hatcher, Miles Knapp, Riggin Ketteler, Cole Rogge
2nd Place – 14U Coed 200 Free Relay: Caleb Hoff, Aliza Flaming, Seylah Miller, Jacob Hoff
3rd Place – 10U Female 200 Free Relay: Rozlynn Holscher, Emmy Tjaden, Gemma Jones, Avery Jones
Even swimmers who didn’t make it to the final meet—such as Felina Knapp and Cami Tjaden, who were committed to the Perkins County Fair—left a lasting mark on the season through consistent progress and team spirit.
Perseverance in the Pool
The season wasn’t without its obstacles—weather delays, disqualifications, and the occasional goggles mishap. Yet, swimmers showed true grit, returning to meets week after week, often choosing to tackle unfamiliar or difficult events.
“Every single swimmer improved,” said Coach Hoff. “They supported each other, stepped out of their comfort zones, and learned what it means to be part of a team.”
With a strong culture of perseverance, community support, and plenty of talent in the lanes, the future is bright for Perkins County’s swimmers.
Information about the 2026 swim season will be distributed through the schools by the end of April, with an informational meeting to follow.
Swimmers representing Perkins County & Ogallala this season were: Kinley and Kolten Covey, Mya Deaver, Saffron Fanning, Ava, Sophia, and Will Fehr, Aliza, Emma, Kade, and Boaz Flaming, Madalyn Flaming, Micah Hatcher, Emelia, Viola, and Sofia Hill, Jacob and Caleb Hoff, Rozlynn and Genevieve Holscher, Avery and Gemma Jones, Riggin Ketteler, Ryeker Tatum, Rose Kielich, Miles and Felina Knapp, Charlea Knoles, Joslyn Korth, Brooke Malmkar, Seylah Miller, Carmi, Brightyn, and Archer Regier, Hanna Schlake, Jordyn, Cami, and Emmy Tjaden, Hadley and Berlin Unruh.