Arnold senior Ben Parsons is this week’s Walborsky, Bradley and Fleming Student Athlete of the Week

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Arnold senior Ben Parsons is not only one of the Marlins’ top swimmers but one of Florida’s top swimmers as well. A title he welcomes with open arms.

“He is one of those guys that just really gets into the competitive aspect of swimming and absolutely enjoys testing himself and putting himself in situations where he has to find another gear,” said Arnold Head Swim and Dive Coach, Jennifer Morgan.

“I think I was just the best at it, I just felt very passionate and confident about it and I like to go fast,” Parsons said.

Ben is currently slotted as the number 1 seed in both the 50 and 100-meter freestyle for the regional meet this week. But he’s not going to let the pressure drown him.

“I’m trying not to think about it too much, I mean, it’s cool and all but I mean I’m just trying to imagine it’s not what it is and just trying not to overthink it.” said Parsons.

Ben takes that same composed demeanor and effort into the classroom as well, just to show he’s not a one-trick pony.

“I just kind of always feel pressure from not doing work. I just like to put out a good impression that I can do things other than swim.”

But even though Ben’s love of swimming does outweigh his love of school, just by a tad, he’s looking to continue both in college.

“It’s just something I love doing and something I want to keep doing at the next level. I guess just going into college knowing I’ll have a built-in group of teammates and friends I can rely on.”

However, before the next level, Ben is planning on helping his current group of teammates and friends finish the year with some fancy bling by keeping the main thing, the main thing.

“Don’t overthink it, don’t get too cocky, that’s really it. Keep doing the same things we’ve been doing. You know, this is regionals, then we’ll get one more for everyone that’s going there. Just don’t overthink it, just keep doing the same thing we’ve been doing.”

The Student Athlete of the Week is sponsored by Walborsky, Bradley and Fleming.

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