Role expands

All Prospect sophomore Amy Andracki wanted to do at the 2004 Mid-Suburban League girls swimming meet was keep up with Barrington freshman Alexa Hamilton in the 100-yard breaststroke.

Andracki did that, setting the MSL record as Hamilton finished second.

To make Barrington's team as a freshman, a swimmer has to possess exceptional ability. To stand out on a team the caliber of the Fillies is an even greater feat that requires not only skill but consistency.

Hamilton made quite an impact during her first year as part of Barrington's perennial state contender.

She helped the Fillies win the 200-yard medley relay and then placed seventh at the state meet in the breaststroke.

As a sophomore she again came in second at the MSL meet in the breaststroke and took ninth in the state breaststroke race.

Last year after taking second in the breaststroke in the MSL meet, she placed third in the state meet in that event behind Prospect's Julia Andracki and teammate Emily Fogle as Barrington took home the runner-up trophy.

Hamilton is the school record holder in the 200 IM and the breaststroke. She is also a national qualifier in the 200 yard breaststroke.

"She's been a standout all three years," said Barrington coach Jim Bart. "She's trying to broaden her horizons in the IM. In the backstroke she's incredibly better and in the freestyle she's incredibly better."

Hamilton began swimming when she was 10 and then competitively when she was 11 with the Barrington Swim Club.

"She started when she was 11 and worked her way to where she's gotten," Bart said. "She's at the 500 (free) cut, she could probably make the fly cut, but the breaststroke is her claim to fame."

"I wish I could do all the strokes very well, but the breaststroke has always been my favorite," said Hamilton, who intends to swim in college but hasn't decided where.

"Last year I definitely worked on getting stronger. I practiced all year long on getting better. Having Emily in the pool with me definitely helps me."

Hamilton may have more responsibilities this season after the Fillies graduated five key contributors and return four who swam at state.

"We knew we had a chance last year at a trophy," Hamilton said, "but even though we lost a lot of seniors we still have a lot of juniors and seniors who are talented and some good freshmen.

"I think we're going to have a pretty smooth transition because we've all been swimming together a long time."