Air Academy’s Caleb Hicks. (Courtesy of Caleb Hicks)
Looking at Air Academy senior Caleb Hicks’ stats, he’s an intimidating presence. He was an all-American as a sophomore and again as a junior.
In last year’s Class 4A state meet, Hicks won the 100 butterfly with a time of 49.65, and was on two state championship relays – the 200 free and the 200 medley. He has two team state titles, and added his second all-state honor to his resume last year.
“Deep down inside it’s nice to be recognized, but you’ve got to stay humble through it all and just know you’re still not the best in the world,” Hicks said. “There’s still Michael Phelps out there. I’m just a state winner, that’s it. There’s fifty other states, so there’s fifty other winners.”
Air Academy took second place in 4A behind Cheyenne Mountain despite a dominant performance in the eyes of head coach Scott Newell.
“You can’t control your competition and last year I think you could argue that we kind of stole the show at the 4A meet without winning that trophy, which was totally bittersweet,” Newell said. “We had four individual all-Americans – including two by Caleb. For him to be able to put that out there and swim that well and fight that hard for the team, it’s pretty inspiring.”
Coming in second has only fueled Hicks more in preparation for this season.
“I would say coming in second is a shocker, it’s a reality check too,” Hicks said. “Just to let you know you’re not the best in the world. You have to do work in order to be the best.”
Hicks has been able to make such large impacts on the Air Academy swim program without attending a single class at the school. Hicks is homeschooled, and attributes the flexible schedule allowed by homeschooling as a huge reason for his success.
Hicks can go to morning practice without worrying about being late to school, he can balance swimming and schoolwork in time schedules that work for him as a student athlete.
At those morning practices, you won’t hear Hicks barking out orders or yelling at a teammate.
“I’m more of somebody you can look to follow,” Hicks said. “I haven’t been outright a leader like telling everybody what to do and where to be, I’ve been going by the motto of lead by example.”
His head coach agrees.
“He’s not up in your face, getting intense. It’s a lot more of the actions speak louder than words in how he sets an example as opposed to being that vocal leader,” Newell said. “Sometimes that’s kind of a refreshing thing because vocal leaders aren’t always the leaders that you want. You want that strong silent guy making some quiet noise. Caleb makes a lot of quiet noise. People definitely pay attention, and we’re seeing more kids emulate that.”
One teammate, Tommy Baker gives Hicks a run for his money in accomplishments. Baker is a two year All-American and two year all-state swimmer. He was on the 200 free relay team with Hicks that took the state championship in the event during last year’s 4A meet.
“He’s fast,” Baker said. “He always pushes me, and I push him so that’s just a good thing to have going because you both get faster.”
On Hicks’ leadership, Baker said, “The guy who steps in and draws the line between play and work is really a leader on the team, and Caleb does that.”
Newell elaborated on the effect on his teammates that Hicks has.
“They’ve really risen up. They’ve really stepped up their game because Caleb is there,” Newell said. “I think that’s the bigger part of it, is, everybody is influencing everybody else to just bring it better, bring it harder.”
What’s interesting is that Hicks almost wasn’t a Kadet. He contemplated staying on his club team instead of swimming for high school, but ultimately decided it was the right choice.
“He bought into the program right away. The culture of the team was perfect for his personality,” Newell said. “(Caleb) building a relationship and working within a team had a totally different dynamic than a kid that goes to school and has classes with kids.”
You would think that being homeschooled would be difficult to develop relationships with other teammates, but it was never a problem for Hicks.
“We’re good friends in and out of the pool,” Baker said.
Hicks started swimming about 10 years ago and has found the sport to be incredibly influential in day to day life.
“It’s affected my life in pretty big ways,” Hicks said. “I think swimming as a sport develops patience, endurance, as well as perseverance.”
He said he tries to stay humble and keep his wits about him, and never forgets to have fun.
“Have fun with what you’re doing,” said Hicks. “Even if it’s hard or you don’t want to do it that day, try to have fun while you’re doing it.”
It’s pretty easy to have fun with all the accolades Hicks has accumulated throughout his illustrious career.
“Caleb really rocks. He’s a great, solid kid. That’s a kid you’d want your children to be around and influenced by,” Newell said. “In the summertime when Caleb is lifeguarding, Caleb is the guy we want our kids swimming around in the pool.”
Hicks committed to the University of Missouri in early December of 2015 and is currently declared as a biology major.
“Swimming has taught me to be grateful for what God has given me as an athlete, student and a person,” Hicks said.
Hicks and Air Academy begin their journey to redemption – and a team overall four state titles in five years – with their first meet vs. Rampart on March 11 at 4 p.m.
Boys swimming preview
Defending state champions:
- 5A: Fossil Ridge
- 4A: Cheyenne Mountain
Important dates:
- Regular season begins: March 10
- State meets: May 20-21
State championships:
- 5A: Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs)
- 4A: VMAC (Thornton)
- 5A: Mick Bartholomew, Boulder, Sr.; Devin Bellamy, Smoky Hill, Sr.; John Cremer, Cherry Creek, Sr.; Mason Fine, Fossil Ridge, Sr.; Keegan Foulke, Pomona, Sr.; Hunter Fuqua, Cherry Creek, Sr.; Danny Kovac, Fossil Ridge, So.; Brody Lewis, Greeley West, Sr.; Chris Nicholson, Boulder, Sr.; Gabriele Sasia, Highlands Ranch, Sr.; PJ Stapleton, Boulder, Sr.; JJ Strain, Cherry Creek, Jr.; Matt Willis, Fossil Ridge, Sr.; Michael Zarian, Fairview, Jr.
- 4A: Tommy Baker, Air Academy, Sr.; Jerry Bimbaum, Cheyenne Mountain, Jr.; Liam Gately, Thompson Valley, Jr.; Caleb Hicks, Air Academy, Sr.; Kyle Leach, Cheyenne Mountain, So.; Westin Stieglitz, Cheyenne Mountain, Jr.