GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRSP) - The boys swim and dive program at Union is starting the season with something stronger than speed: a purpose that stretches far beyond the pool deck. Head coach Craig Travis, who moved into the role after serving as an assistant coach, describes his position as a calling. “This is my opportunity to do something I love,” Travis said, “which is to develop these guys into not only lifelong learners, but men with strong work ethic and good character.”
Building from the Basics
Union’s lineup couldn’t be more diverse, from club-level competitors to swimmers who are learning how to swim for the first time. Travis doesn’t shy away from that challenge though. “By the end of the season, every guy will know how to swim competitively,” he said. “I have guys on this team who don’t know how to swim at all, so I’ll teach them how to swim, then I will teach them how to swim fast.”
He hopes all athletes will be confidently swimming by their first home meet on December 16. Beyond competition, he also stresses the importance of water safety, noting that Michigan sees far too many water-related incidents, making swimming education essential.
Inside a Union Practice
The team trains eight times a week, sometimes twice a day, with sessions focused on warmups, stretching, stroke drills, and strength and resistance work. Travis places swimmers into ability groups rather than sorting them by grade. This keeps returning athletes, club swimmers, and newcomers challenged at the right level as they prepare to chase one of Travis’s biggest performance goals: personal records. “The biggest goal for swimming is PRs,” he said, “because PRs move onto state qualifiers and more conference championships.”
Chemistry in and out of the Pool
Despite the demanding schedule, the energy around the team is positive and close-knit. Travis describes a culture where athletes support each other and enjoy the process. One returning athlete told him the group feels “like a family.”
The team also maintains an alumni network—including an annual alumni winter-break polo match—which connects current and former swimmers. Saturdays often include water polo scrimmages, adding fun and variety to the swimmers’ routine.
Spotlights on Swimmers
Senior freestyler and backstroker Ericke Ramadhani is one of the athletes who embodies the team’s spirit. He says what keeps him coming back each season is the atmosphere itself. “It’s fun, and it teaches discipline,” he shared. And when the pressure builds before a race, he relies on a simple but effective strategy: “I just take a deep breath.”
Alongside him is junior Ryland Puleo, a butterfly and backstroke swimmer who has seen remarkable progress in a short amount of time. Reflecting on where he began, Puleo said, “When I first started, it was super late into the season, and I could barely swim 100 meters. Now I can swim the 100 fly, which is a step in the right direction.”
Building on that improvement, Puleo has set a clear goal for the season: earning varsity times in his top events. To stay sharp during long meets, he focuses on recovery and consistency. “I make sure to rest well after practice and in between events,” he explained. “I also make sure I eat up before or after meets to replenish my energy.”
Looking Ahead
With coaches Mike Bauer (volunteer assistant), Kelly Williams (diving), and Ian Wesolowski (assistant) joining Coach Travis on deck, the program has a strong support system. Together, they are shaping a team defined by steady improvement, commitment, and character.
Whether it’s teaching beginners their first strokes or helping veteran swimmers push toward PRs and state qualifying times, the Union boys swim and dive team is preparing their athletes for success.
Important Season Dates:
- City Sprint Relays at City High Middle School: December 13
- City League Invite: January 8
- Conference Meet: February 27-28
- MHSAA Regional Diving: March 5
- MHSAA Swim Finals: March 13-14
