Logan and Kennan Hotchkiss, swimming
By Dick Dornan / Special to The Malibu Times
Focused and determined, Logan and Kennan Hotchkiss have splashed onto the swim scene with their dynamic performances for Westside Aquatics.
Logan, 15, had an excellent short course season (Sept.-Feb.) where he set Westside Aquatic records for his 13-14 age group in the 100- and 200-meter backstroke, 200-meter butterfly and 400-meter individual medley. After turning 15, he set records in the 500-, 1000- and 1650-meter freestyle events.
At the Pacific Committee Championships, Logan came in third for the 1000 freestyle and fifth in the 1650 freestyle.
“I like competing and seeing my times drop,” Logan said. “I have a time standard that I’m trying to reach for each race.”
Despite being only a freshman, Logan has quickly become one of the best swimmers for the Malibu High swim team as the high school season has begun.
Kennan, 10, earned a spot at the 2012 Southern California Swimming All-Star Festival at East Los Angeles College after being selected as one of the best in his age group from all of Southern California.
He had two top-16 performances, in the 100-meter backstroke and 200-meter freestyle, at the recent Southern California Junior Olympics held in La Mirada. There were more than 80 competitors in each event.
“It was hard to get there but it was actually really fun,’ said Kennan, who is a fifth-grader at Juan Cabrillo Middle School.
He currently holds team records for his nine- and 10-year-old age group in the 200-meter freestyle, 500 freestyle and the 100 butterfly.
Peter Leib, the head site coach for Westside Aquatics in Malibu, joined the program in September of 2011 and has been impressed by the commitment and growth of the Hotchkiss brothers.
“Both are very dedicated,” Leib said. “Right now Logan is probably one of our best swimmers on the team. He is developing really well and he has the training focus needed to step up to a higher level. Kennan, for a 10-year old, is extremely focused. Confidence is a huge thing for young boys and they are both progressing nicely. Both are on track for bigger and better things.”
The Hotchkiss brothers train regularly at the pool on the campus of Malibu High School. The brothers share a love for the sport and a supportive attitude toward each others’ accomplishments, albeit with a little competitive ribbing.
Kennan aspires to be like his older brother. Logan wants to see his younger brother succeed, though not at the expense of his own swim marks.
“He’s been improving a lot. I really don’t want him to break my times, but he probably will,” said Logan with a sheepish grin on his face.
As for words of advice, Logan kept it short and sweet for his younger sibling.
“Keep working hard.”
Spoken like a true big brother. For Kennan’s part, it’s enough to be out there in the same pool.
“I like to be out here because I get to spend time with my brother,” Kennan said.
Spoken like a true younger brother.
The Hotchkiss brother combo figures to be a good one for years to come in the world of swimming.
“Swimming has taught them how to focus on goals and push themselves to reach them,” said their father, Steve. “I’m very proud of both of them.’
Their coach agrees.
“They are great kids and they really enjoy being out here,” Leib said. “It’s a pleasure working with them.”
Westside Aquatics is a multitiered competitive age group swimming program with swimmers ages six to 18 and of all abilities. The Malibu Community Pool at Malibu High School is the team’s home pool. More info may be found at http://malibuswimteam.com.
ocused and determined, Logan and Kennan Hotchkiss have splashed onto the swim scene with their dynamic performances for Westside Aquatics.
Logan, 15, had an excellent short course season (Sept.-Feb.) where he set Westside Aquatic records for his 13-14 age group in the 100- and 200-meter backstroke, 200-meter butterfly and 400-meter individual medley. After turning 15, he set records in the 500-, 1000- and 1650-meter freestyle events.
At the Pacific Committee Championships, Logan came in third for the 1000 freestyle and fifth in the 1650 freestyle.
“I like competing and seeing my times drop,” Logan said. “I have a time standard that I’m trying to reach for each race.”
Despite being only a freshman, Logan has quickly become one of the best swimmers for the Malibu High swim team as the high school season has begun.
Kennan, 10, earned a spot at the 2012 Southern California Swimming All-Star Festival at East Los Angeles College after being selected as one of the best in his age group from all of Southern California.
He had two top-16 performances, in the 100-meter backstroke and 200-meter freestyle, at the recent Southern California Junior Olympics held in La Mirada. There were more than 80 competitors in each event.
“It was hard to get there but it was actually really fun,’ said Kennan, who is a fifth-grader at Juan Cabrillo Middle School.
He currently holds team records for his nine- and 10-year-old age group in the 200-meter freestyle, 500 freestyle and the 100 butterfly.
Peter Leib, the head site coach for Westside Aquatics in Malibu, joined the program in September of 2011 and has been impressed by the commitment and growth of the Hotchkiss brothers.
“Both are very dedicated,” Leib said. “Right now Logan is probably one of our best swimmers on the team. He is developing really well and he has the training focus needed to step up to a higher level. Kennan, for a 10-year old, is extremely focused. Confidence is a huge thing for young boys and they are both progressing nicely. Both are on track for bigger and better things.”
The Hotchkiss brothers train regularly at the pool on the campus of Malibu High School. The brothers share a love for the sport and a supportive attitude toward each others’ accomplishments, albeit with a little competitive ribbing.
Kennan aspires to be like his older brother. Logan wants to see his younger brother succeed, though not at the expense of his own swim marks.
“He’s been improving a lot. I really don’t want him to break my times, but he probably will,” said Logan with a sheepish grin on his face.
As for words of advice, Logan kept it short and sweet for his younger sibling.
“Keep working hard.”
Spoken like a true big brother. For Kennan’s part, it’s enough to be out there in the same pool.
“I like to be out here because I get to spend time with my brother,” Kennan said.
Spoken like a true younger brother.
The Hotchkiss brother combo figures to be a good one for years to come in the world of swimming.
“Swimming has taught them how to focus on goals and push themselves to reach them,” said their father, Steve. “I’m very proud of both of them.’
Their coach agrees.
“They are great kids and they really enjoy being out here,” Leib said. “It’s a pleasure working with them.”
Westside Aquatics is a multitiered competitive age group swimming program with swimmers ages six to 18 and of all abilities. The Malibu Community Pool at Malibu High School is the team’s home pool. More info may be found at http://malibuswimteam.com.