DYNAMIC DUO FINISHING
Seniors Wilson Beckman, Joey Gardner are good competition for each other
During the regular season, there aren’t many tests for Wilson Beckman and Joey Gardner.
The Munster seniors have been state-caliber performers since their high school debut four years ago and are headed to the Big Ten next season.
So to keep things interesting, Munster coach Matt Pavlovich has been pitting his stars against each other in duals. It’s worked out on more than one level.
“In this area, with all the Chesterton guys (from last season) out (of high school), it’s tough to find really heavy competition,” Beckman said. “So luckily we have two of the best swimmers on the same team. It’s good to take advantage of that.”
“Good competition for us and good entertainment for coach Pav,” Gardner said with a smile. “He loves watching us race.”
There’s been plenty to like from both Seahorses over the years. Beckman finished sixth in the 100-yard backstroke and ninth in the 100 butterfly at state as a sophomore before tying for second in the back and taking fifth in the 100 free last season. Gardner took sixth in the 100 breaststroke and 10th in the 200 individual medley at state last season.
This winter, they’re looking for bigger and better things.
Beckman would like to return the 100 back state championship to Munster five years after Kevin Behrens won it.
“The back state title is definitely a goal,” Beckman said. “That would be great. A runner-up or state title in another event would be awesome as well.”
What his second individual event will be in the state series hasn’t been decided yet, but it’s nice to have options.
Gardner, meanwhile, remains locked into the IM and breaststroke.
“My goal is to win state in both events,” he said. “We’ll see how they go.”
Both will be swimming a couple of relays as well, the 200 medley and either the 200 or 400 freestyle. The entire medley relay team that finished 10th at state last year — Beckman, Gardner, junior Logan Armagast and sophomore Jack Wulf — returns. Pavlovich’s goal is to get all three relays to state, something Munster hasn’t achieved in a few years.
All in all, it’s shaping up to be an exciting finale for Beckman and Gardner before they move on to Indiana and Purdue, respectively.
“I was kind of excited to be the next big thing for Munster, I guess,” Gardner said jokingly. “But now that it’s coming to an end, we’re going on to bigger and better things. I’m excited to see how long our sectional streak lasts after we’re gone.”