Madelyn Kickland
# of years on swim team: 6

Twelve-year-old Madelyn Kickland, daughter of Jim and Haley Kickland, is Nishna Valley YMCA’s Female All Star Swimmer.  Madelyn has been involved with water activities since she was six months old.  She began summer swim team at the age of six and since then has not looked back.  Whether it is finishing off the relays or individual events, Madelyn is one that you can depend on to get the job done.  This is attributed to her dedication to working hard and racing the clock in practice as well as in meets.

Outside of swimming, Madelyn loves playing volleyball, water skiing, and jumping on the trampoline.  She even goes sky diving with her father.  Madelyn is always willing to help others at the pool and in school.  She is a straight A student and her favorite subject is math.  She is also involved with the First Church of Christ where she also attends youth group.

Benjamin Henriksen
# of years on swim team:1

Nine-year-old Benjamin Henriksen, son of John and JoEllen Henriksen, is Nishna Valley YMCA’s Male All Star Swimmer.  Benjamin joined the Flying Sharks swimming program this past season.  Benjamin sets lofty goals for himself and works hard in practice to achieve them.  Even though he is new to the team, Benjamin has been competing for the past three years for Audubon summer swim team and the Manning Area Swim Team with huge success. Last year, swimming for Manning, he qualified for state in the 50 and 100 backstroke and 50 butterfly, and Regionals in the 50 backstroke and 50 butterfly.  He continues to split his time between Manning Area Swim Team and Nishna Valley Flying Sharks.

Outside of the pool, Benjamin attends the Faith Evangelical Free Church and Awana.  His commitment to volunteering at the Friendship home has earned him the title “2011 Volunteer of the Year.”  Benjamin also enjoys designing and building vehicles and inventions, as well as playing video games with his friends.

Meet your 2011 All Star Team

Tierney Kamies

Age: 18   
# Of Years on Swim Team:  4
Nominated by:  Dean Junker and Grant Van Lishout

Diligence, persistence, and versatility all describe Tierney Kamies, 18, Nishna Valley YMCA female All Star Swimmer of the year.  Tierney began swimming at the age of 6 and hasn’t looked back since, competing for summer swim teams, the Y, and Lewis Central.  Known for her success in butterfly and sprint freestyle, she has recently taken up swimming distance free making her competitive at any distance.  Besides swimming, Tierney, is involved with dance, tennis, working as a lifeguard, and making academic achievements.  She is a leader to her younger teammates and supports them in the meets.

Caleb Rasmussen

Age: 18  
# of Years on Swim Team:  4
Nominated by:  Dean Junker and Grant Van Lishout

Fast starts, fast swims, and hard work earned Caleb Rasmussen, 18, Nishna Valley YMCA male All Star Swimmer of the year.  Caleb has been steaming up and down the pool with his breast stroke for the past 12 years and has recently added the butterfly to his forte, making him a great contributor to medley relays.  Caleb is ambitious and gives it his all in everything he does including work, church, football, cross country, tennis, boy scouts, and 4-H.  Caleb has received recognition as an Eagle Scout.  He also plays the trombone and the tuba, and has received numerous awards for academics.