Garden City, Kansas is a long way from the Czech Republic, but it didn't take long for Radek Ruzicka to feel right at home at Garden City High School. 

Looking to step out of his comfort zone and gain a new life experience, Ruzicka is studying abroad this school year as an exchange student from Prague, the Capital City of the Czech Republic. 

"I had a lot of reasons why I wanted to try it," Ruzicka said. "I wanted to improve my English, try something new, overcome myself and just try to be a regular American high school student. 

"One thing about this year abroad, it gives you a lot of knowledge about yourself." 

After joining the Buffaloes' swim team, Ruzicka is also learning that he's a solid athlete. 

Ruzicka, 18, enjoyed swimming back home in the Czech Republic but didn't have much competition experience. He participated in a handful of meets as part of a club team. School sports are not offered in his homeland. 

He jumped at the opportunity to swim for the Buffaloes and immediately emerged as a standout.  

"I love it," said Ruzicka, who is the Capitol Federal True Blue Student of the Week. "Honestly, I wish we have it in Europe. Spending time with my friends and swimming and talking to coaches and everything, meeting new people at other high schools, it's awesome." 

In his first meet in Salina, Ruzicka won the 50-yard freestyle in 23.26 and the 100 breaststroke in 1:04:04, notching state-qualifying marks.  

"The first meet was really awesome, and I don't think I was nervous," Ruzicka said. "I was just excited to swim and see what I'm capable of." 

In his latest meet at Great Bend, Ruzicka won the 50 freestyle (23.41) and 100 butterfly (58.75). 

Ruzicka is 10th on the state performance list in the 100 breaststroke in Class 6A with a 1:03.3, and is 25th on the 50 freestyle list with a 23.25.  

"I didn't have expectations, to be honest," Ruzicka said of his mindset entering this season. "I just wanted to swim. I was really surprised by my times and everything." 

Garden City swimming coach Dan Delgado said Ruzicka's potential was evident early on.  

"He's a tremendous swimmer. He's cut pretty good, he's in shape, so I had very high expectations for him," Delgado said. "The thing about Radek is this is his first year in the United States and really his first year being coached in anything. So we had some tough lessons. We had to get him to understand that you've got to work hard. But that's part of the process, no matter where you're from." 

After a brief adjustment period, Ruzicka said it didn't take long for him to become comfortable at school.  

"I think the hardest day here in the U.S. was the first day of school," he said. "The school is huge. I was kind of like, 'Where's my classes? Where do I have lunch?' I didn't know anyone, so it was hard. 

"Now, it feels like home." 

Ruzicka said he's enjoyed his sports medicine, first-aid and weights classes.  

At the end of the school year, he'll return home to the Czech Republic and complete two more years of high school before graduation.  

"Then I'll decide if I continue to study in my hometown or if I'll go to college in the U.S," he said.

He hasn't decided what he'll pursue as a profession yet.  

"It might be something in sports, swimming," Ruzicka said. "I've been to a couple camps where I help with kids and everything, and I really like it. Maybe a swimming coach, maybe a life guard for a while." 

Delgado said Ruzicka fit into the community seamlessly and is highly regarded by his teammates and peers. 

"He's a great kid," Delgado said. "He's a rare person. He gets along with so many people from other communities. People take a liking to him very quickly, and, likewise, does he with other people. Great kid."

"I've met a lot of new people here, so that's awesome," Ruzicka said. 

Ruzicka and the Buffaloes have a couple more regular-season meets before state.

"My goal is take off some more time and still work hard and do my best," Ruzicka said.