Crimmins closes chapter on high school career

Monday, March 2, 2009
Greencastle senior Luke Crimmins finished 16th in the 100-yard backstroke in Saturday's consolation round of the IHSAA State Swim meet.

By DAN SHELTON

Sports Writer

INDIANAPOLIS -- Luke Crimmins did something Saturday that hasn't been done in four years at Greencastle High School -- swim on the final day of the IHSAA state swim meet.

Crimmins swam in the consolation round of the 100-yard backstroke and finished 16th overall with a time of 54.75.

The last person to swim on Saturday of the IHSAA swim finals was Andrew Bretscher, when he placed second in the 50 and 100-yard freestyle events.

"Luke gave everything he had and left it all in the pool. He can't show you a state medal, which was one of his goals, but he gave it his all and can say he left it in the pool," GHS coach Daniel Bretscher said. "With the way the season went and the way he trained, I thought we would see more, but that is just the way it goes.

"He ended his career as one of the best in Greencastle swimming history and the team is going to be hard pressed to replace him and it was a honor to coach him," Bretscher added.

For Crimmins it wasn't the fact the he finished 16th that got him choked up; it was the fact the he won't be swimming anymore.

"It's hard since you have been swimming since you were seven, for it just to be over, but it's been fun with Daniel and his dad both being my coach," an emotional Crimmins said. "I learned a lot about swimming from them, but I learned much more that I will carry on with for a long time."