Catholic’s Hobelmann named OT Boys’ Swimmer of the Year

March 20, 2020 | 12:02 am

Updated March 20, 2020 | 1:00 am

Owensboro Catholic High School junior Cort Hobelmann has been named the 2020 Owensboro Times Boys’ Swimmer of the Year.

Hobelmann had quite the year, accomplishing his goals of breaking a pair of school records and earning a top-eight finish in the state meet.

“Last year I placed in the top 16 in the 100 backstroke at state, so coming into this year I wanted to work harder and get top eight. I also wanted to break the record in the 100 backstroke,” he said. “I ended up placing in the top eight, but it was actually in the 100 freestyle instead — which I was still very happy with. I ended up breaking both the 100 backstroke and 100 freestyle school records.”

He set both records — 47.86 in the 100 free, 53.16 in the 100 backstroke — during the region championships, where he claimed a pair of first-place victories and was named to the All-Region team.

Co-head coaches Abby Hampton and Erica Crabtree said they were surprised when Hobelmann expressed interest in competing in the freestyle sprint events early in the season, but it was the right move.

“There was no doubt that Cort would excel, but we also needed a strong swimmer for the IM and backstroke,” Hampton said. “In the past, freestyle sprints were led by our upperclassman. Cort was persistent and we let him go for it at regionals because we knew points were not going to matter much with big teams like Bowling Green in the mix. We were very glad we did.”

Hobelmann said he got stronger and gained endurance in the offseason, but he still surprised himself with his results.

“I was very surprised to have cut 2 seconds in my 100 free and 1.5 seconds in my 100 back at region, as well as breaking those records,” he said.

Hampton said Hobelmann is a team player, supporting new swimmers and showing them tricks and skills to cut time.

“Cort’s leadership style is leading by example,” she said. “When he is at a big meet, he is hyper-focused on the task at hand. Cort also lightens up the sport and brings some laughter to the pool. In a sport as difficult as swimming, Cort knows when to have some fun and when to focus.”

“Cort definitely brings it when he needs to,” Crabtree added. “This year he really brought his A-game to regionals, and he was our only top-eight finisher at the state meet. Cort has made his mark and will continue to excel going into his senior year. We are excited to see where his senior season will take him.”

Hobelmann said his time with OCHS so far has been great and he’s looking forward to next season. Though he’s not sure what his long-term plans are yet, Hobelmann said swimming will definitely be in his future.

“Competing for Owensboro Catholic is great,” he said. “We have a great team with great people who work their hardest. It was really fun swimming for Catholic this year and I can’t wait until next season. As of right now the plan is to swim in college. I think these next few years, if I keep at it, I can get a lot faster.”

March 20, 2020 | 12:02 am

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