Jefferson Forest’s Travis Stauder had zeroed in on a goal for his season. He wanted to break Scott Thacker’s school record in the 100-yard breast stroke. Stauder accomplished that goal and he couldn’t have done it at a better time as set the record at the Group AA state meet. That was just one of the reasons that Stauder was selected the News & Advance’s male Swimmer of the Year.
“It was pretty cool,” Stauder said. “(Thacker, who is now swimming for Florida State) was a senior when I was a freshman. I’ve been trying to get that record for the last couple of years. I was nervous at the state meet. I knew I was going fast but I didn’t know I was going that fast.”
Stauder’s swim in the 100 breast (58.11) not only broke Thacker’s school record, but it also beat the Group AA state meet record. Unfortuntely, Stauder was touched out by Brentsville’s Alexander Morres (57.79). It was the second time in two years that Stauder just missed out on a state title in the 100 breast.
“He was disappointed to be touched out for the second time in two years, but I think he was satisfied with how he swam,” Cavaliers coach Jann Brown said. “We finished seventh at the state meet and he was a huge part of that. It is going to be very difficult to replace Travis.”
Stauder also finished sixth in the 200 free (1:46.05) and swam a leg on JF’s 200 free relay that finished sixth at the state meet in a time of 1:31.87.
He also led the Cavaliers to Region III and Seminole District titles this year. At the Region III meet he broke new meet records while claiming titles in the 200 free (1:46.38) and the 100 breast (59.59). The 200 free relay team also claimed a title (1:32.57). At the district meet he won the 100 breast and set a new meet record in the 100 breast (59.90) and was second to Brookville’s Jason Brame in the 200 free (1:46.61). The 200 free relay team also finished first (1:36.56).
“Travis has always had the attitude of whatever you think is best for the team,” Brown said. “He was always in it for the team. He is a quiet person and led by example. It was a pleasure to coach Travis.”
Stauder signed a letter of intent to swim for East Carolina next year and expects to immediately compete for some spots on the relay team.
“They have a good swimming program and it was a good fit academically and athletically,” Stauder said. “It’s kind of close. It’s a big school but has a small school feel. And, (coach Rick Kobe) is a cool guy and realistic about swimming.”
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