Flikkema, Brad (2021)

Brad Flikkema is a 1997 graduate of GRCHS. While swimming for Hall of Fame coach Jack Pyper, Brad dominated events all four years as an Eagle. He set school records, conference records, and Grand Rapids area records in the 500 and 200 yard freestyle events. He was honored as an All-American four times. He also set City League records in the 100 and 200 yard individual medley events each year. Brad’s school records in the 500 and 200 yard freestyle events still stand today. 

Brad took to swimming at a very early age. At seven years old his passion and natural gift for swimming began at Richmond Park. His first goal was simple - beat his mom or dad in a sprint. The lifeguard on duty encouraged Brad to join the local swim team, where his talent and competitive spirit could be put to the test. This started Brad on a long and successful swimming career. 

Coach Pyper utilized Brad in sprints and medley events, even though Brad also excelled in distance events. Brad was a team-focused athlete. He was driven to find success in the team’s overall unity. He loved bonding through team parties and road trips to meets. He came to especially enjoy the part he played in the relays. One of Brad’s most memorable moments came his senior year in the 400 Freestyle Relay. The event was a crucial one for the Eagles as the winning team would receive the John Slykehouse Award. Catholic Central was favored and jumped out to a large lead through the first two legs. Teammate Jeff Snapper swam a great third leg and cut into the Cougar lead. Brad then swam a fantastic final split and touched out his opponent to secure the thrilling comeback win for the Eagles.

Swimming is often considered an individual sport, but Brad relished being a member of the swim team. Brad recalls one particular devotional Coach Pyper read before a meet that sums up his swimming career.  “Coach spoke about one body and many parts, from I Cor 12:12-27.   While each individual was a part of the team as a whole, each member also had a specific role to play.  None were more important than the others; we all needed each other.”

Brad is an impressively decorated athlete. He qualified for and made the top six at the State Meet all four years, highlighted by winning the 500 yard freestyle his junior year.  He was named All-Conference and to the Advance Newspapers All-Area Team four times. Brad was selected team MVP his freshman, sophomore, and senior years, and was honored as team captain his senior year. 

Brad continued his swimming career at Calvin College where he set school records in the 400 IM and the 1000 and 1650 yard freestyle events. He was the 500 yard freestyle league champion in 1998.  He was named to the MIAA All-Conference Team his freshman year.

Brad channeled his love and passion for swimming as he took on a coaching role at Calvin Christian High School from 2002 to 2005. He led his team to four consecutive Conference Meet championships. A highlight from his time as coach was having six of his swimmers qualify for the State Meet in his final year at the helm. 

Brad was a high school science teacher and now works as a substitute teacher.  He loves to visit Seattle several times a year to spend time with his two nieces, Hope and Hannah.

Brad’s Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 40:31

But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength,

they shall mount up with wings like eagles,

they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.