Published: 8:57 PM, 02/03/2010

Last updated: 9:10 PM, 02/03/2010

By: Mark Mitchell

By Mark Mitchell
mmitchell@mountaintimes.com
He has garnered honors both in and out of the pool because of a fluidity that exists whether in water or on dry land. The honors in water come from deftly cutting through a pool, while a stopwatch is held by someone else. The honors on dry earth come from deftly negotiating a violin that he holds.
Standing 6-feet-1 and weighing 165 pounds, he certainly fits the description of a swimmer's body. If he houses an ounce of body fat, it is not easily apparent to the eye. While this body type may not enhance a violin performance, he certainly will not get tired. He is Konrad Kosmala, and he has been making waves since he was a child.
"I've been swimming since I was five years old," Kosmala said as he dried off after a recent swim. "I love the sport. Its uniqueness, the dedication it takes to improve. I will always be in a pool swimming."
Kosmala's other passion - playing the violin - actually took root one year earlier than swimming.
"My dad, Witold Kosmala, began teaching me how to play when I was four-years-old," Konrad said. "It's a passion I share with my family. Both my sisters and my four-year-old little brother all play as well."
Konrad's dedication to his non-aquatic passion has paid off, as the Watauga High School senior made the First Violin Section of the Honors Regional Orchestra this year.
Back in the pool, the awards and recognitions have come in bunches for Kosmala. Konrad was named the Northwestern 4-A Conference Swimmer of the Year in 2009.
He was also part of a Watauga High School relay team that set a conference record in the 400 Relay in 2008, and was part of another relay team that set a school record in the 200 Freestyle Relay in 2010.
In total, Kosmala has captured conference championships in six events; the 400 Freestyle Relay in 2007; the 200 Freestyle and the 400 Freestyle Relay in 2008; and the 100 Freestyle, the 200 Freestyle and the 200 Freestyle Relay in 2009.
Kosmala was named all conference in four events in 2007; four more events in 2008; another four events in 2009; and once again in four events in 2010.
This consistency and performance over the years is not lost on Watauga head coach David Gragg.
"Konrad has been a team captain the past two years in which he helped lead the men to back-to-back team conference titles," Gragg said. "He has set the bar high for future swimmers at Watauga High School."
Kosmala was asked about the influence Gragg has had on his swimming career.
"He has always been the driving force in my career," Kosmala said. "I owe a lot to David. I feel like having him as a coach has always pushed me along."
Kosmala, who just found out that he was accepted to the University of North Carolina on Sunday, plans to swim for the school's Master's Team and Club Team once he arrives. In the more immediate future, Kosmala looks forward to competing for the Watauga High School track team in the spring.
First up, however, is a trip to Huntersville this Saturday for competition in the Western Regionals. Kosmala, and a few of his Watauga High School teammates, have qualified for the 400 Freestyle Relay event.
While the future is always uncertain, Kosmala feels pretty certain that chlorine will be a part of it.
"I hope to be 60 or 70-years-old still swimming a lot," Kosmala said. "I can't imagine my life without it."

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