Girls swimming season preview

Rosary

Coach: Bill Schalz

Last year: The Beads won their second consecutive IHSA state title.

Key losses: Sara Coghlin.

Key returnees: Kally Fayhee, sr.; Kara Savegnago, sr.; Nadia Simek, sr.; Mackenzie Powers, sr.; Elisabeth Tavierne, sr.; Diana Norkus, jr.; Olivia Scott, jr.; Francesca Devine, so.; GiSun Pak, so.

Top newcomers: Rachel Burke, Emily Lauer, Sarah Sykstus, Katherine Hare.

Outlook: Rosary has a juggernaut returning this year, and is most people's favorite to win the state title. Certainly the Beads are aware of the bull's-eye on their backs, and know it's there because of their success in winning back-to-back state titles. At the same time, high school state swim teams, even favorites, don't swim their seasons as if every week is the state meet. "This team is swimming really loaded," Schalz said. "We always talk that seniors swim a little different because it's their last time to show what they can do. If we see that from our seniors, it's going to be something very special." And despite the massive number of returnees with state meet scoring experience, the Beads have brought some talented newcomers into the squad. "We're going to have competition where there wasn't competition last year for some of our state team spots," Schalz said. Based on graduation, the Beads only have two roster spots to fill, but there is always the chance that a newcomer will work into a very talented and established lineup. "We have four very good freshmen, and all four have a chance of making our sectional lineup. And if you're on our sectional lineup, chances are you have an excellent chance of going to the state meet."

St. Charles East

Coach: Joe Cabel

Last year: The Saints finished 15th in the state meet.

Key losses: Caitlin Dauw, Lil Cabel, Diana Gehrman.

Key returnees: Victoria Lynn, Sarah Olney, Samantha Weigt, Hayley Krzeczowski, jr. Kayla Scott, jr.; Colleen Kanies, Megan Armstrong.

Top newcomers: Meghan Patterson, Emma Smith, Ashley Shanel, Andrea Tauer.

Outlook: Attitude counts for so much in every sport, and certainly girls swimming is no exception. That St. Charles East is ready mentally for the 2008 campaign is one of the most important building blocks the squad has already put together. "We're getting there," Cabel said. "We have a strong team attitude this year. Everybody comes to practice ready to work. We haven't had any issues that have gotten in the way of getting better. It's been real smooth so far." Although the season is just underway, the Saints have found ways to bond that have translated into togetherness in the pool. "The seniors have stepped up and have done a surprisingly smooth job of getting the team up," Cabel said. "We've had good practices and good social events and that's helped us a lot." Energizing the Saints in the water are a pair of freshmen: Emma Smith and Ashley Shanel. "They're leading the lanes," Cabel said. "But we have a real nice blend across the board which is nice this year." Cabel said the Saints have the potential to move up some in the state meet standings and could crack the Top 10. "We may have some surprises this year," Cabel said. "We may not look like it on paper, but we have some potential."

St. Charles North

Coach: Rob Rooney

Last year: The North Stars finished 23rd in the state meet.

Key losses: Taylor Reynolds, Madie Shurtluff, Marcy Blowers.

Key returnees: Angie Chokran, jr.; Danielle Goebbert, jr.; Taylor Gannon, jr.; Jessica England, jr.; Jennifer Clay, jr.

Top newcomers: Allie Smith (sprints); Lauren Reynolds (back); Lauren Zima (IM, fly, free); Meridith Beird (diving); Gessica Lee (sprints, fly); Bridgette Tyndall (diving)

Outlook: With 58 swimmers in the pool this fall, there is no lack of athletes from which to choose. But finding those who are capable of making the North Stars' state team is a different proposition as St. Charles North seeks to compete with the best in the toughest area for girls swimming in Illinois. "You need more than numbers to have an extremely successful team," Rooney said. "I love the program that we have. We have a lot of great kids and a lot of quality well-rounded kids." The North Stars have a solid number of returning state qualifiers, led by junior Angie Chokran, one of the best breaststroke competitors a year ago. Her success did not end there. "We're seeing her have a great summer," Rooney said. "She qualified for the Olympic trials. She had a great year. We need to keep that momentum going. With confidence comes higher expectations for her and we'll see what happens." Another solid North Stars swimmer is Jessica England, a junior who will be an athlete to watch in the distance freestyle events. "I think she's going to have an exceptional year," Rooney said. "But we need more with the caliber of those two types of swimmers."

West Aurora

Coach: Joe Neukirch

Last year: Jackie Iglesias qualified for the state meet as a sophomore.

Key losses: Kim Engen (IM, breaststroke), Kelsey Tumpane (IM, fly), Liz Chollet (diving)

Key returnees: Jackie Iglesias, jr. (IM, back); Emily Timmons, sr. (IM, 500 free, breastroke); Katie Hutches sr. (diving)

Top newcomers: Danielle Williams, sr. (free, back)

Outlook: There are more than 30 swimmers competing for the Blackhawks this year, double what they had in the water last year. And there is some proven talent in the water, notably 2007 state qualifier Jackie Iglesias, who is a junior. The newcomers need to work to reach those levels. "We've got to work as hard as we can and get better," Neukirch said. "That's when we'll see the girls blossom, after that initial year, when they kind of break out of their shell." Emily Timmons, a senior this year, is another candidate to qualify for the state meet, as is senior transfer Danielle Williams. Iglesias has started the season with some issues with her shoulders. But Neukirch said he hopes these will be temporary and she will be ready by the time the key meets of the season to swim at peak levels. "She's talented, the most talented swimmer we have," Neukirch said. "But if we don't put in the work, she's not going to get the results."

• For much more on Rosary and its attempt to win a third straight state championship, see Darryl Mellema's story in Sunday's Daily Herald.