Northern Star: Travis Elling

Duluth East senior swimming in long-distance races

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Boys’ Swim & Dive team has faced adversity this season following the graduation of All-American Grant Wodny.

“Very big shoes to fill…Impossible shoes to fill, really.” smiles Travis Elling, a senior with the swim team. “With all the previous seniors leaving, it feels like it’s my time to shine and step up. I try and set a good example, get in the water right away…Not dilly dally.”

“Travis, he’s a leader on the team, for sure,” says freshman Joey Zelen. “He always is driving people to practice. Encouraging people to swim in sets.”

Speed is obviously an important part of swimming. However, Elling is more focused on stamina since some of his races can last over five minutes in duration. “Right now, I’m swimming the distance races, the 500 and 200 freestyle, mainly.”

Over the summer, Elling built up his endurance through triathlons, where he often recorded the top times in the swimming section of the races. “Those were a lot of fun; I just did those more for fun. I think it’s help build (my) mental fortitude.”

Elling is planning on swimming competitively in college, but he’s currently focused on doing his part in getting himself — and his teammates — back to state. “”We have a lot of great and upcoming talent on the team, like Elliot Yung, Joey Zelen, Lucas Warren, Landon West. We’re on track, I think if we keep putting in the work.”

The Duluth Boys’ Swim & Dive team will host their first home meet of the season on Saturday, January 6.