Inver Grove Heights Public Schools: Simley Senior Earns Apollo Award For Outstanding Athleticism & Leadership

Inver Grove Heights MN

17 May, 2022

10:33 PM

Description

Press release from the Inver Grove Heights Schools: May 17, 2022 Head coaches at Simley High School recently selected Nico Losinski to receive the 2022 Apollo Award. The award recognizes a student athlete for their impressive achievements in athletics, academics, and leadership throughout high school. Nico is a two-sport athlete who has made incredible strides locally and nationally as part of Simley Boys Swimming. Nico is a six-time letter winner in swimming, earning his first in seventh grade. He has also won the section championship and earned All Conference five times. Although he started his Simley Athletics career playing multiple sports, he decided during his freshman year of high school that he would focus on swimming. He won a state championship the next year. "Nico is a true athlete, and those who have coached him before know he could have excelled in any sport he chose," Simley Boys Swimming Head Coach Lynn Newton said. "Our team was lucky that he chose swimming." Since his decision to focus on swimming, Nico has earned All State, won the state championship, and been nominated as a Class A Minnesota State High School League State Swimmer of the Year every year. During his senior year, Nico has not slowed down. He is currently ranked as an All American, or one of the top 100 swimmers in the nation. His best time is only seconds away from a qualifying Olympic trial. He has also broken more than 10 records during the 2022 season alone, including four Simley varsity records, a Metro East Conference record, section records, and the All Time Class A State Record. His record-breaking events include the 100-meter backstroke, the 200-meter individual medley, and the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 500-meter freestyle events. In addition to being an outstanding athlete, Nico has also been named a Simley MVP, Simley Hardest Worker, and Simley Captain multiple times for his unmatched leadership. In her nomination, Coach Newton mentioned that even officials at meets noticed the effect Nico had on the crowd and his team. She remembers one official approaching her to say, "Wow, Nico really had everyone on deck and in the stands cheering for him. Everyone loves him." After missing some seasons of Simley Lacrosse, Nico got back into the sport during his senior year. He immediately earned himself a spot as a starter in one of the most versatile and athletically challenging positions, long stick midfielder. Simley Lacrosse Coach Luke Johnson said that Nico will be a letter winner this year and that he will probably earn All Section or All Conference too. "Phenomenal athlete. Even better person," Coach Johnson said of Nico. Nico will swim in Division 1 next year at the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay. Congratulations to Nico on earning this recognition with his fierce determination, drive, and leadership. This press release was produced by the Inver Grove Heights Schools. The views expressed here are the author's own.