Centennial swimmer Chapman mixes passion with fun

Centennial junior Tara Chapman holds six school swimming records, but fast times aren't the only attributes of hers that coach Chip Fechter notices.

"She is one of those kids who stays late to work on things, even by herself," Fechter said. "She is a student of the sport, and she loves to train. She still has a passion for swimming — it's still fun."

Chapman, whose résumé already boasts six all-state (top-8) finishes, will compete in four events at the Class 2A swimming and diving state meet, which begins Wednesday at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center: 200-yard medley relay, 200 individual medley, 100 breaststroke and 400 freestyle relay.

She holds or has part of school records in all four of those events, plus the 100 freestyle and the 200 freestyle relay.

Chapman spoke with Star Tribune reporter David La Vaque about the joys of swimming and how she bounced back from a challenging sophomore season.

Q: What keeps swimming enjoyable for you?

A: There are always new goals to strive for and there are different ways you can keep on trying to improve. And swimming with my teammates is another thing that makes it fun. I wouldn't be able to do it without them. Most of my best friends are on the team. In the locker room, we like to sing in the shower. We just have a lot of fun together.

A: It does get stressful, but you just have to keep reminding yourself that it's only swimming. As long as you're doing your best, you can be happy with it.

Q: What did you want to see from yourself as a junior this season?

A: Well, last year was a lower point for me. My times weren't as close to my freshman year; they weren't as fast. So I didn't really know exactly what I was capable of. But I started doing dryland exercises and lifting weights and I've really seen an improvement. At the True Team state meet, I set personal bests in the 200 individual medley and 100 breaststroke. That's where I could see what I was capable of.

Q: Coach Fechter feels you have become more in the moment when you compete. Is that a fair assessment?

A: I agree with that. I know that I can't control what anyone else does. I just need to do what I can and be happy with it. I used to think that I could only go fast when I had a race. But now I can just swim fast anytime I put 100 percent into it.

A: For the relays, we really want to get top-8. It's really fun to be at the podium and all-state banquet with your teammates. In my individual events, I want to achieve All-America times and hopefully that will get me to a good spot on the podium. Top-3 would be great, but I'd be happy with anything as long as I get good times.

Q: When you go to the University of Minnesota campus for the state meet, is there something you like to do?

A: We always go to Annie's [Parlour] after the meet.