It’s easy to see the change in Lindbergh senior Connor Guhlke.

“Taking a non-confident freshman, and by the time he’s a senior he’s a strong, confident leader,” said Lindbergh coach Roger Miron. “That’s what coaching is about.”

The Lindbergh team has undergone a big change at the same time, moving from 3A to 2A. Guhlke and the rest of Lindbergh’s seniors have the unique experience of seeing both.

“The first couple of years when we were at 3A it was tough,” he said. “It’s kind of ironic that we’re 2A now and our team is almost twice the size of when we were 3A my freshman year.”

Guhlke came in for his freshman year with some swimming experience, but he didn’t swim varsity times.“His competitive drive kind of kicked in and he really wanted to excel,” Miron said. “So he joined a year-round team.”

After joining Bellevue Club Swim Team, Guhlke made districts his sophomore year. He made state in three events, the 200-medley relay, 400-free relay and 500 free, last year as a junior.

“It’s different at state,” Guhlke said. “Everyone takes it much more professionally. It was a little weird seeing my time that was good all season is barely in the top 16 at state.”

Guhlke also plays golf and baseball at Lindbergh. He has completed some of his associate’s degree through Running Start. He plans to finish that degree next year, then transfer to a university where he hopes to major in politics or business.