Layden hopes to make the state competition in the 100 meter breaststroke. Though he has state ambitions, he does not think he will swim in college, but may play water polo. For college, he is looking at schools such as DePaul University in Chicago, and Eckerd College in Florida.

Even though he is unsure of his swimming future, Layden is very hopeful for Clayton swimming down the line.

“I think this year, next year, and in the future Clayton will be really competitive in St. Louis,” Layden said.

He also looks up to many swimmers and coaches. At the national level, Layden admires many swimmers, including Missy Franklin, who won four gold medals in London at age 17. He also praises swimmers Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte.

Locally, Layden feels that the late Wally Lundt, former swimming and water polo coach, who passed away in December of last year, is his swimming role model.

“He helped me tremendously. The guy was a great man,” Layden said. “He taught me you can be a good guy, you can be really selfless and do everything in your life for others. I think that reflected in my swimming, because we bonded as a team.”

Lundt stressed having a team atmosphere, which is also important to Layden, who Rubin says is a “team player”.

Layden says that if swimmers work as a team, it is easier to work hard so one does not hurt the group.

“If we feel like a team, I don’t want to let the team down, and I push myself to go faster so we can get a relay through,” Layden said.

Along with hard work, Long also feels that Layden’s positive attitude towards the sports strongly impacts his swimming, making him a key swimmer for Clayton’s team this year.

“He is a great kid, he is always in a good mood, and he has a lot of energy,” Long said. “I think he is a fundamental part of the team.”