During a swim meet, tensions rise between the home team and the visitors. However, for one swimmer, this rivalry does not stop once the meet ends. Freshman Trent Oberlander completes a hard day of swim practice, and continues to make his way home with his dad who happens to be the head coach of the swim team at Blue Springs South. BSS and Ray-Pec are in the same district, and consequently compete against each other during races.

Although this seems like a rather awkward situation, Trent finds it to be normal.

“We live in Raymore and we have a good coach so it doesn’t bother me,” said Trent.

Trent enjoys swimming a lot and both of his parents were swimmers too. For his dad, Errich Oberlander, has been coaching him for his whole life.

“It is definitely tough for me because of course I would want him swimming for me, but I really trust and respect Coach Majors,” said Oberlander.

His dad has been coaching at South for 10 years. Since he also coaches his son part time this creates more of a challenge.

“I spend over 20 hours per week during the high school seasons and in the summer coaching. With Trent I spend much more time with him in the summer than during the school year,” said Oberlander.

For Trent’s school swim coach, Matt Majors, this might be much more of an out of the ordinary situation. Trent is on two relay varsity teams that are close to making there cut for state. Even though this is Majors first year coaching Trent, he has shown his mark on the team this year.

“He has a good work ethic. He is a member of the band and is in all advanced classes. Overall, he always has a positive attitude” said Majors.

Trent’s big brother is what made him start swimming because he wanted to be just like him. His dad only officially coached Trent for 5 years on the Lakewood Recreational Team for five years.

“I love that Trent has a passion for the same sport that I do,” said Oberlander.

Their whole family has been swimmers so it is more of a tradition to them. Trent has been successful not only in swimming but also academically. When Trent’s dad coaches they have some strategy sessions where he talks to him about practices and tips. His dad critiques some of his strokes and helps him make them more efficient. The older Oberlander tries not to overstep his boundaries because he does not want to undermine what Coach Majors is doing to practice. Even though there is a rival and it may be awkward at times, this is a great opportunity for them.