One Fast Rock

Seroka builds success
one stroke at a time

Feb. 9, 2010, 5:15 p.m.

  Just the weight of the medals on Adam Seroka's letter jacket would give most people a sore back if they wore it long enough.

  The excess weight doesn't bother Seroka, a junior at Salem, who has established himself as one of the state's top swimmers in the  freestyle events and the challenging 200-yard individual medley.

  The medals are symbols of the hard work and dedication that have led to Seroka's incredible success the past two winters -- and during his non-high school competitive races for Club Wolverine.

   Seroka, a member of the National Honors Society and owner of a 3.97 grade-point average, is primed to add to his medal haul at next month's state meet. He is a key reason why the Rocks have built a 4-3 record (despite one of the toughest dual-meet schedules around)  and state ranking this season, his third with the Rocks.

  Seroka took a few minutes to speak with PlymouthCantonSports.com's Ed Wright earlier this week.

ED WRIGHT: When did you get into swimming?

ADAM SEROKA: I was 9. I joined the Plymouth Canton Cruisers to get in shape and I've stuck with it since then.

EW: Did you like it right away?

AS: My first year, there were times when my parents had to drag me to practice (smile). But now I love it.

EW: Competitive swimming is a demanding sport. What is it about the sport that is most appealing to you?

AS: I like the competition. When I'm anchoring a relay in a tight race, it pushes me to the next level.

EW: Do you remember the the first time you won a race?

AS: Not really. It was probably a 50 free race at Colony when I was pretty young.

EW: What's your proudest accomplishment so far at Salem?

AS: Probably our two relay teams qualifying for the state meet last year. This year, we have a chance to place in both of the relays, which would be nice.

EW: What do you want to accomplish before you graduate?

AS: Individually, I'd like to get an All-American qualifying time in any event.

EW: Do you and your sister (Salem's All-State swimmer Lauren Seroka) talk much about swimming?

AS: Yeah, every now and then. Mostly, we give each other constructive criticism (smile).

EW: What's the toughest thing about the sport?

AS: Definitely the double practices during the season on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Getting up at 5 a.m. and jumping into the pool.

EW: What's your favorite class?

AS: Chemistry.

EW: What's the most important thing you've learned from Coach (Chuck) Olson?

AS: That's success is all about effort. Effort and hard work always win out.