OT Male Swimmer of the Year: Owensboro Catholic’s Cort Hobelmann

May 14, 2021 | 12:11 am

Updated May 14, 2021 | 12:44 am

Tyler Dixon | Owensboro Times

Owensboro Catholic’s Cort Hobelmann wasn’t 100 percent going into his final KHSAA State Swimming Championship as he was ill, but that didn’t stop the Ace senior from giving it all his had, just as he’s done throughout his career at Catholic.

Hobelmann competed in multiple events at the state championships after bringing home a first-place and four top-five finishes at the Region 2 Meet in April.

It’s Hobelmann dominance that makes him the Owensboro Times Male Swimmer of the Year for the second-straight season.

Hobelmann said it feels good to win the award for the second time from local coaches but wished he would have had more in the tank for state. He added it’s definitely been a season to remember.

“What stands out the most about this year is all that we’ve been able to do with Covid,” he said. “It’s been nice being able to compete this year since before swim season started, we weren’t sure if we’d have it and so it was nice being able to compete one last time.”

Hobelmann said this was a different type of state meet to prepare for since there were three sites but in a normal year, he said he looked forward to state because not only of the experience in the pool but the camaraderie as well.

“At Catholic, the thing that stands out the most is the people and the competition,” he said. “State for high school is extremely fun and you can hang out with the people from other teams and there’s a lot of time between races and you can just chill for a while and get ready for your races.”

Hobelmann has swum competitively for more than half of his life and to sustain a career of that length, he said he needed a slew of people on his side.

“My parents, coaches and friends,” he said was key. “They are all very supportive of me and have helped me and encouraged me to continue swimming. Without them I wouldn’t have swam for 10 years.”

Hobelmann’s advice for younger athletes is to be dedicated to their craft. He said while it doesn’t matter the sport they play, he advises them to give it their all in whatever sport they choose.

When Hobelmann hit the wall for the last time at Russell Springs last month, it was the last time he’d compete as a high school athlete.

He said he’ll definitely remember the feeling his had after a race for a long time.

“I’m gonna miss the competition the most,” he said. “It’s always fun swimming and seeing everyone on your team cheering you on at the wall.” 

May 14, 2021 | 12:11 am

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