The Westminster varsity swim team went into the conference swim meet with a different mindset than usual. Just a week prior to conference, the swimmers lost a beloved friend and member of the swim community, JD Wiese. As imagined, sorrow and depression filled the hearts of many, and the swim team seemed to be practically shut down. Many heartfelt conversations were held at the pool about JD.

     “The swim team was always like a family to me but after the death of JD it brought the whole team closer than ever. JD will always be a part of our swim family” said Kathryn Kramer, sophomore.

     Throughout the week, the team learned to celebrate the life of JD, rather than only mourn.

     “In everthing JD did, he always represented Christ. He displayed true Christian  character at such a young age. Although he was only at WCA for a semester, I believe God sent him here to be a role model for his friends, classmates, and teammates,” said Marjan Kempen, swim coach.

     Coach Kehr and Coach Kempen designed and purchased t-shirts to wear during conference specifically honoring JD and his impact on the swim community. Most importantly, the whole swim team was determined to be successful in honor of JD. After the first half of the conference meet, the swim team started to chant “make it count for JD” continuously.

     “The swim team wanted to swim fast and make it count for JD because he always put 110% effort in anything he did,” said Katie Myers, sophomore.

     All of the girls and coaches were ecstatic when the results came in. Westminster had won conference for the first time in school history, and this win was for JD. JD’s legacy will continue to shine all through the school and swim community in the years to come. His close-knit relationship with the Lord has influenced so many other’s connection with Christ as well.

     “I enjoyed many great conversations with JD and through his maturity and love for the Lord, he helped strengthen my own relationship with God,” said Jesse Parham, sophomore.