Courtney Schwiesow, Senior, Moses Lake

One of the best moments of Schwiesow’s career so far is placing sixth in the 100-yard breaststroke at the 4A state championships last year in Federal Way.

“I remember standing on the podium and hearing everybody cheering,” she said.

This year, Schwiesow plans to be back on the podium, and she’s hoping for an even better finish. She’s off to a fantastic start, setting a personal best of 1 minute, 8.99 seconds in the 100 breast prelims at the Mukilteo Invite last Saturday at the Federal Way Aquatic Center.

“It’s the one chance before state that we can swim together with teams from the west side,” she said. “It shows you what competition you might have at state.”

Once Schwiesow gets there, it’ll be the fourth consecutive state trip for her. She made it in the 500 freestyle as a freshman, the 100 breast and 200 IM as a sophomore, and the 100 breast and 200 medley relay last year.

Q'n'A

Favorite food: Mashed potatoes.
Favorite athlete: Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte.
Any unusual talents?: I can play the clarinet.
Sports memory: Placing sixth in championship final in 100 breaststroke at state last year.
Favorite class: AP Government.
Mid-meet snack: Strawberries or watermelon.
Must-have on the road: My pillow pet — a dog named Stormy.
Favorite movie: No Strings Attached
Favorite TV show: Modern Family
Last book read (not for school): Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Career plans: I’m looking into pre-law.
Favorite pool: Federal Way
Dream vacation: Bahamas
Pre-race ritual: I just try to stay loose.
Best song on iPod: I don’t know. I have so many.
Million dollars: My instinct would be to spend it all, but my parents would encourage me to save it.

Jordan Downing, Senior, Chiawana

Downing is having a blast as a sportswriter for the Chiawana school newspaper. The only caveat from the teacher: He can’t write about himself.

The problem with that is, it’s virtually impossible to write a story about Riverhawks football without including Downing, a returning 4A all-state running back. The 6-foot, 200-pound senior RB/LB ran for 181 yards and three touchdowns on 20 attempts but also intercepted a pass during a critical fourth-quarter stretch in Chiawana’s 22-14 win over Richland on Friday.

“That was probably the biggest game on our schedule with a playoff atmosphere,” said Downing, who leads the CBBN 4A in rushing with 947 yards and 11 touchdowns on 134 attempts. “It was a huge win over a great team.”

The Riverhawks are 5-0 and ranked fifth in the state in the latest AP poll. Downing is just trying to enjoy what time he has left in his high school career.

“I feel old now. I’ve been doing this for four years, and you don’t think it’s ever going to end,” he said. “There’s definitely a sense of urgency, but I’m more relaxed and calm as well.”

Q'n'A

Favorite food: Anything Italian. Pasta or chicken.
Favorite nonsport activity: Longboarding
Favorite athlete: All four Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers
Most like to meet (living or dead): John Wooden
Any unusual talents?: Painting, drawing
Favorite class: Journalism
Pregame ritual: Subway for lunch every Friday. Before the game, I watch Al Pacino’s “Inch by inch” speech from Any Given Sunday.
Favorite TV show: American Pickers
Career plans: Civil or nuclear engineer
Best advice from current coach: (Steve Graff) doesn’t talk much but when he does, you listen.
Million dollars: Buy my mom a nice house and car. She’s done so much for me.