Warsaw’s Grant Knight was a top-10 breaststroke swimmer in the state for a third time. InkFreeNews file photo by Mike Deak

WARSAW – Warsaw swimming saw the end of another era this winter as the IHSAA State Finals concluded.

Senior Grant Knight had established himself as one of the greats after a four-year career of success, taking the reigns as the next great breaststroke swimmer for the Tiger boys program. Knight concluded his run with the program with four swims at the 2020 State Finals, and making one last stand for a podium finish in the breaststroke.

Knight had a senior year to remember. He was able to make his fourth state appearance in the breast, landing 10th place in the state after Saturday’s consolation final with a ultimate stop of 57.43. Knight also had a Friday swim in the 50 freestyle, taking 29th at 21.92. The 50 appearance was his first in the event, where he won his first sectional title in the event the week prior.
Knight also had a first earlier in the season, where he won the individual medley title at the Northern Lakes Conference championship with a 1:56.98 in addition to his third NLC breaststroke title.

“I was a little surprised to take the NLC title for the 200 IM,” Knight said. “I knew on Thursday that I still had gas in the tank and that Saturday would be a great race. I did not expect to pull the time that I went, but I couldn’t have been happier to finish my IM like that for my senior year.”

Knight also swam in two relays at state, joining the medley and 200 free relays for a pair of Friday swims.

The DePauw University commit concluded his high school career with over a dozen state finals appearances, making four finals appearances in breaststroke in the process. His best finish was sixth as a junior.

“As for the 50, I was very excited to swim that race,” Knight said. “I knew going into it that it was going to be a tight race. I was very happy with the turnout and very excited to swim that race at state as one of my final senior races. I am going to miss the atmosphere of high school swimming but I know it will be even more exciting in the college setting!”

Knight was a Northern Lakes Conference swimming performer, the fourth designation of his career.

“He’s a utility swimmer,” noted Warsaw swim head coach Anthony DeBrota. “What made him vital to our program is his ability to get the job done in any event. Of course, I wouldn’t put him in something like the 500 or fly, which he despises. But, knowing Grant would listen and meet the demand means a lot to this coaching staff. It’s what being a team player is all about.

Added DeBrota, “Grant will do great in collegiate swimming. Right out of the gates, he will makes strides for his team. It will be fun to hear of his success for the next few years.”