Hi-Line Athlete Profile: Shandon Oberquell, Havre High Swimming

Much like wrestling, golf, tennis and track, the Havre High swim teams don’t regularly get the opportunity to compete in front of their hometown fans. Yet, this Saturday, at the Havre Invitational, it is one of the few times they get to, which always makes it extra special.

Blue Pony swimmers have plenty to be excited about when it comes to the Havre Invite, with it being the first home meet, as well as the first competitive meet of the season for both HHS teams. However, since the Ponies don’t get many chances to swim at home and they don’t have any other meets in Havre quite like this one, it will be an emotional day. It will be especially difficult for seniors like Shandon Oberquell, who has been part of the team since his freshman season.

In truth, Oberquell has been swimming for longer than that. He started competitively swimming in middle school and said he fell in love with the sport, in part because of his teammates.

Throughout his high school career, Oberquell has had plenty of success. As a freshman, he was part of a medley relay team that made it to the finals at the Class A state swim meet and he has qualified for state in each of his three seasons swimming for the Ponies.

Like many athletes at Havre High, Oberquell does a lot more than just participate in athletics. To date, he has only participated in swimming, but said he plans to be in track this spring. However, he is also very active in extra-curricular activities and is in both band and choir. Oberquell has also been in a number of theatrical plays during his four years at Havre High.

Oberquell also has things in order in terms of his education too. He said he is taking a number of advanced classes this year and boasts a 3.5 grade-point average. He said he is planning on attending Montana State University next fall.

But while Oberquell juggles a lot of difference activities at Havre High, right now and this Saturday, his focus is going to be all about swimming. And before he and his teammates take part in the Havre Invite, the Havre Daily News caught up with the senior for five questions.

HDN: So how excited are you to compete in your last Havre Invitational?

Oberquell: “It’s really exciting because I feel like I have a home-field advantage. But since it’s my last year and it’s also our last home meet, so it’s kind of emotional.”

HDN: What has made swimming at Havre High so enjoyable for you?

Oberquell: “I guess the big thing for me is the other people on the team.”

HDN: I have heard swimming is fun and that you guys have some fun bus trips. What makes them so fun for you guys?

Oberquell: “I guess it’s the camaraderie of the team and how close we all are. That makes it so we can joke around with each other.”

HDN: “Swimming seems like a difficult sport, how hard is it for you guys to try and stay in shape?

Oberquell: “It is hard. And usually at the beginning of the season, it will take me a few weeks before I am really back in shape. Normally we are swimming about three miles per day.”

HDN: What is one moment that stands out to you about your swim career?

Oberquell: “Probably making it to state my freshman year, making it to the finals in the relay.”