After watching their elder siblings dominate in the prep pool, Chesterton freshman twin brothers Ethan and Aaron Whitaker look to create their own aquatic niches.
Kyle Whitaker tied the record for state crowns (12), and he owns the mark for individual titles (8). Eldest sibling Talor Whitaker won six state crowns, including three individual titles at the girls meet.
"They left a good legacy," Aaron said. "I just want to create one of my own."
The elder Whitakers also have a had in 13 school records, and Kyle has a piece of 10 pool marks.
"I just feel like this is motivation," Ethan said. "It's kind of a mixed feeling. I'm proud to have siblings like that, but I'm also proud to be my own figure. I want to see my name up there (on the school's record board)."
The youngest of the Whitaker clan have competed in the pool since they were 5. Each has been somewhat successful in age-group competition. At the Senior State meet in July, Aaron placed in the Top 35 in four open events, including an 11th in the 200 fly and 12th in the 100 fly. Aaron and Ethan were part of three relay teams that placed in the Top 35.
"I think both of them have a good sense of things," Chesterton coach Kevin Kinel said of the freshman twins. "They've got a great background, and their family has been very supportive. Their parents have been there to help them out."
The duo is also part of a class that the Kinel calls "probably the best freshman group I've had."
That group includes Jack Waller, Andy Hurst, Patrick Curley and Blake Pieroni. Pieroni recently bested Kyle's state age-group mark in the 200 back.
"It's a big help having a bunch of close friends push one another," Aaron said. "I know they are there to help me."
Veterans like Florida State recruit and senior Tyler Fozkos are also there for support. Fozkos has six state titles. Both he and Kyle were part of the program's two state team crowns.
"This is very fun," Ethan said. "The captains are providing leadership. We just need to keep pushing."
Both start their prep campaigns in Saturday's season opener against Lafayette Jefferson -- and each anxiously awaits this new chapter.
"I want to get things going," Aaron said. "I've been to the state meet, and it seems like a blast. I'm just really looking forward to see how things work out."
"Kyle's told me that I will do well in high school," Ethan added. "That makes me a little more nervous, but it pushes me to expect more out of myself."
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