The Gazette Boys’ Swimming and Diving Peak Performer of the Year: Caleb Hicks, Air Academy
By March, doubt was creeping into the mind of Caleb Hicks.
In his senior year swimming for Air Academy, Hicks was struggling to make sense of a frustrating season. He couldn’t win races in his primary events and was unable to clock his normal times.
“I had won races at dual meets but I hadn’t won a single race at any invite,” Hicks said. “I didn’t know if my training was off or something was wrong.”
He took two weeks off in the spring, stopped swimming and focused on rest.
Just over a month later, Hicks won the Class 4A 100-yard butterfly title, breaking his state record and earning All-American honors with a time of 49.19 seconds.
In the 100-yard breaststroke, he finished just .17 seconds behind the state champion and took home second.
“I think his state meet was one of the best (he’s ever had),” Air Academy coach Scott Newell said. “He had some nerves about him in prelims, but going to defend his own state record and re-breaking it was a huge statement because his competition had beaten him a couple times that year.”
Hicks said his midseason performances have always been underwhelming, which isn’t uncommon for swimmers who mainly compete in sprint events.
“I never get good times in midseason training,” Hicks said. “I know I won’t get good times during the season. It’s not a personal decision I make. I need to be rested to do well.”
Hicks grew up in a military family and moved from California to Virginia before settling in Colorado Springs. Home-schooled since a young age, the swimmer made the decision to pursue swimming year-round because there was no set season for the sport and he could maintain his friendships in the pool.
Growing up, Hicks also played baseball, but the aquatic sport was ideal for him to compete in. He was naturally explosive in the water, and, most importantly, he was wildly successful.
“I like winning,” Hicks said. “Losing, it can feel bad sometimes, but then again, it keeps you humble. It gives you more goals to reach.”
There’s little arrogance in the way Hicks competes and talks about his success in the pool. His coach credited Hicks’ leadership and the swimmer’s strength in leading vocally and by example.
“Even though he’s someone who holds the bar high for himself – and succeeds – he’s not above talking to people at all levels of ability,” Newell said. “He demonstrates and explains how to do things better. There’s no ego whatsoever with this kid.”
Caleb Hicks poses for a portrait at Prospect Lake on Tuesday, June 7, 2016. Hicks is the boys’ swimming Peak Performer. Photo by Ryan Jones, The Gazette.
Caleb Hicks poses for a portrait at Prospect Lake on Tuesday, June 7, 2016. Hicks is the boys’ swimming Peak Performer. Photo by Ryan Jones, The Gazette.