Funke Makes a Splash

Conner+Funke+swims+breastroke+during+travel+meet+in+Minneapolis+against+Minnetonka+and+Eden+Prairie.+Photo+taken+by+Paul+LaFave.

Conner Funke swims breastroke during travel meet in Minneapolis against Minnetonka and Eden Prairie. Photo taken by Paul LaFave.

Josh Brester, Jay Journal Staff

Creighton Prep has a new star swimmer, in the form of junior Conner Funke. A transfer from Montana, Elkhorn to Creighton Prep, Funke has been an amazing asset to the swim team. Funke is currently ranked 2nd in Nebraska for the class of 2018, with his two best strokes being the 100 breaststroke and 200 Individual Medley (I.M.) In the off-season, however, in the 200 breaststroke, Funke qualified for nationals this summer.

Although Funke came to Nebraska with many state cuts, he said he had to work harder than ever he joined Greater Omaha Aquatic League (GOAL) this summer. GOAL’s head coach is the same head coach of Prep, Tom Beck.

“I love the training, I’ve never trained this hard in my life, and I’m more tired than I’ve ever been.” said Funke.

The reason Funke moved from Montana to Nebraska his sophomore year was because of his father’s job, but he attended Elkhorn that year. Going to Prep was a big difference for him, because he has gone to public school all his life, but he has not regretted coming to Prep.

Funke said, “I transferred to Prep for opportunities,and schooling. Prep has an excellent education and a superior swim team.”

Funke said that he has had no trouble fitting in. He has quickly became a part of not only the Prep community, but also the swim team family.

“We all got each other’s backs, we push each other every day, and I love the team goals. Everyone is pushing each other and cares about everyone. I like how it is less individual and more of a team, but you have to work hard as an individual to help the team at the same time,” said Funke.

Funky said that he has really improved this summer joining Coach Beck. He said that he was able to go from Sectionals to Nationals in a few months.

“I really like Coach Beck and his coaching philosophy, and all the technique [sets] we do,” said Funke.

Funke has really enjoyed Coach Beck’s practices at Prep. He especially appreciates the stroke-specific grouping at practices.

Funke said, “I like that we break up into stroke groups, and we can be race specific and stroke specific, and I feel like that is really important with all the different races.”

Funke has only just started look at colleges. He has talked to Iowa and Denver, but is not set on any yet.

“I want to find one that has a well rounded education program, but can also help me take my swimming to the highest level possible.”

Funke has been a great addition to the Prep swim team this year. At state this year, he is looking forward to swimming the 100 breastroke and 200 IM, and hopes to be a state champion this year.

“I would like to be a state champ this year, and score as many points for my team,” said Funke.