Hannibal's Sternke closes out high school career with state title

ST. PETERS, Mo. -- Hard work and dedication paid off for Hannibal senior swimmer Atticus Sternke.

Sternke emerged as a state champion in the Class 1 state championship meet at St. Peters Rec-Plex this weekend after placing first in the 100-meter breast stroke. "It feels really good," said Sternke.



"I think it's given hope to a lot of other people to go that far in their athletic careers and I'm proud to be able to lead the way." Sternke won his heat in the preliminary round in the 100-meter breast stroke with a then school-record of 55.80, his best career time.

On Saturday, Sternke did even better with a 55.71 time, which reset the school record and was good enough to place first. When Sternke emerged from the pool after the final round of the 100-breast stroke in Saturday's final round, he realized he achieved his dream of a state championship.

"It was unreal," said Sternke. "I couldn't believe that over those years of training that I had finally won and it all came to an end. So I was really thankful for that final race of my high school career could be a win.

" All those 5 a.m. practices and extra time spent in the weight room had paid off.

"It's a lot of work and definitely a lot of unseen hours," said Sternke. "I know in my mind that I put all the effort in to be able to win that state championship and that feels good to me." Sternke also placed third overall in the 50-meter freestyle with a time of 20.

68, which also set a school record. In the prelims on Friday, Sternke finished with a time of 55.80.

Sternke had went to state in all of his previous three seasons, but had never won a state championship until now. "Last year, second place was tough and that really motivated me through the whole season of training to get faster than that," said Sternke. "So that was definitely a motivating factor to get first this year.

" Just five seasons into the Hannibal boys swimming program, Sternke has set a new standard of excellence. "I definitely think it shows people they can go fast and they can go faster than me if they want to," said Sternke. "There's a lot of talent in the school and I know other people who could definitely be state champions.

" Sternke hopes to swim collegiately and is looking at colleges as his high school career winds down. With a state championship at hand, Sternke credited Hannibal swim coach LaRhonda Behl and other coaches for his success. "I'm really grateful that they were there," said Sternke.

"There the reason this program is alive. Without a coach, we wouldn't be in the pool. We wouldn't have the chance to go to any meets, especially state.

So I'm really thankful to all of them.".