Griswold’s First Postseason Swimmer
For Callen Keiser, a junior at Griswold CSD, this year marked his first season of competitive swimming — and it was a historic one. Callen became the first Griswold student-athlete to qualify for a postseason swim meet, a milestone that capped a season of tremendous growth and perseverance.
“This was my first year of swimming, and the season went awesome for my first time,” Callen said. “Swimming was very hard at the beginning. The workouts were beyond my abilities, but by the end of the season, I was doing all the same workouts as the rest of the team.”
Callen’s improvement was dramatic. He started the year with a 43-second 50-yard freestyle and finished the season with a 30-second 50. His 100-yard freestyle time ended at 1:09. At the postseason district meet in Waukee, Callen competed against some of the top swimmers in the state, placing 18th out of 23 while facing athletes committed to Division I programs.
“Callen’s hard work paid off,” said Coach Cody McCreedy. “Watching a small-town Griswold athlete swim alongside students from much larger schools — and keep up with them — is a huge accomplishment.”
Callen wasn’t the only Griswold swimmer making waves this season. Freshman Caden Frieze, a multi-sport athlete who participates in football, track, and competitive fishing, said swimming helped him challenge himself in new ways.
“I’m proud of cutting my time down during swim meets,” Frieze said. “The best part of swimming was meeting new people from different schools.”
The Coach Behind the Team
McCreedy, a social studies teacher at Griswold CSD, is also the head coach of the Atlantic swim team, which includes athletes from Atlantic, Griswold, and Riverside. A former state-level swimmer himself, McCreedy fell in love with the sport after starting in seventh grade.
“Swimming teaches so many life lessons,” he said. “It’s important to give students another athletic option that complements other sports. Swimming is low-impact, builds strength, endurance, and mobility, and even benefits athletes in track or baseball, like improving hip mobility for pitchers.”
McCreedy praised the Griswold swimmers for stepping into a sport that initially drew skepticism from peers. “Their willingness to try something new — especially when others made fun of them — has been incredible. Now their peers are cheering them on.”
The team faces unique challenges. With swimmers from three schools and no home pool, travel and scheduling are major commitments. Practices are held twice daily — 6-7 a.m. and 4-5 p.m. — at the Atlantic YMCA.
Lessons Beyond the Pool
Coach McCreedy draws parallels between teaching and coaching: pushing students to do their best requires effort, dedication, and a positive mindset. “Life isn’t always fair, but taking the cards we’re dealt and finding the positives — rather than dwelling on the negatives — is key,” he said. He encourages swimmers to focus on personal growth rather than only comparing themselves to others. For example, Callen placed 738th out of around 1,200 swimmers in the state in the 50-yard freestyle, but he focused on the swimmers he was ahead of and his own improvement.
Above all, McCreedy emphasizes inclusion. “I want every student and swimmer to feel like they’re part of something — whether it’s a welcoming class or a tight-knit team. Sometimes I get to see their potential before they see it themselves.”
Advice for New Swimmers
For students considering swimming, Callen and McCreedy have a clear message: give it a shot. “The team atmosphere is so fun,” McCreedy said. “I can’t ask you to do better than your best. When athletes push themselves as individuals, the whole team benefits. Even one point can make a difference.”
Callen agrees: “The best part of swimming is the shape it puts you in. I swam to stay in shape for track, and I would recommend it to anyone who isn’t out for a winter sport. It’s great for everything.”
For McCreedy, coaching brings even more satisfaction than competing ever did. “I get to watch my athletes grow, overcome self-doubt, and gain confidence — that’s where I find joy.”
Swim photos courtesy of Atlantic Swim Team personnel.