Barrington hopes for big finish with super senior class
For Barrington's boys swimming team, it will be the end of an era.
For a team that included 13 seniors this season, this weekend's high school state meet will mark the final competition together for a healthy chunk of that total.
Seniors Mitch Gavars, Colin O'Leary and John Lagoni qualified in two individual races apiece. They'll join classmates Scotty Robinson, Riley Lehmann and Max Gersten for the 200-yard medley and 400 freestyle relays at New Trier in Friday's state prelims, with hopes of getting second-day swims.
It's been quite a ride for coach John Valentine, and one that he doesn't take for granted. Looking back on how this senior class got started is a reminder of how far it has come.
"As incoming freshmen, each newbie swimmer and diver was different, a little quirky, and raw with potential," Valentine said. "While some were accomplished club swimmers, others were entering this strange chlorinated world for the first time. Slowly these freshman found their voice to each other and older team members."
Count Gavars and O'Leary among the most accomplished of the bunch. Gavars has qualified to the state meet in the 500 freestyle in all four of his high school campaigns, while O'Leary emerged as a force as a sophomore and has scored points at state the last two seasons, in the 100 back and the 100 fly.
Lagoni came on strong later, as last year he earned his first individual qualification to state. But he's continued to drop times throughout his Broncos career and had great performances in winning both the 100 and 200 freestyles in last weekend's sectional at Barrington.
"Their individual personalities came out through their sophomore and junior years, including their varying levels of athletic prowess, academic achievement and commitment to training year-round," Valentine said. "Success breeds confidence, which in turn helps the whole team to succeed."
Bringing a large, experienced group like this year's to the chaotic state meet environment figures to help maintain that confidence. Joining the Barrington effort with relay roles will be sophomore Sam Burrell, freshman Jack Hoppe and junior diver Steven Latimer.
Whatever happens, it will be hard for Barrington replace competitors like the Bucknell-bound Gavars, the Boston College-bound O'Leary and the late-blooming Lagoni.
The plan is for the Broncos to have a great weekend at New Trier - and to enjoy this last hurrah for the seniors.
"Our season begins with two goals: To improve times, and to have fun in the process," Valentine said. "High school swimming is truly a team sport. While individuals are timed in their own events, the team succeeds when everyone is invested in the outcome.
"As a coach, reflecting on the personal growth and accomplishments of this group of student-athletes is an exciting trip back in time. The accomplishments of this year's senior group will be remembered for years to come."