Boys swimming: O'Leary, Barrington hoping for more success
It may seem like it was a hundred years ago, with all that has transpired locally and in the world in general due to the pandemic.
But the reality is, a little less than a year back, the 2020 boys state swimming finals were held at Evanston at the end of February.
And on those dates at the historic Wildkits' pool, Griffin O'Leary and the rest of the Barrington team excelled.
O'Leary, a sophomore at the time, just missed out on first place in the 100-yard backstroke, taking home the second-place medal in the time of 49.43, just a whisker behind the winner.
It was the second consecutive year that the accomplished Broncos swimmer took runner-up position in the backstroke (he did it as a freshman as well in 2019), and O'Leary made even more contributions to Barrington's success at state in 2020.
O'Leary was fourth in the 100 butterfly, and along with teammate Dan Langlois (then a junior), earned points for the Barrington cause by placing 10th in the 200 medley relay.
The Broncos also earned top honors at the Mid-Suburban League championship meet last season, winning the MSL title as O'Leary set two pool and MSL records (in the 100 butterfly and 100 back), and Langlois triumphed in the 500 free.
Now with some area restrictions lifted and prep sports competition starting up again, perhaps a bit of normalcy will return.
There will be a boys swim season - albeit a shortened version, ending March 13 with no state series or finals - and Barrington coach John Valentine knows he'll be able to count on O'Leary again, big time.
"Griffin's been our best swimmer at BHS for three years," said Valentine, who has often lauded the work ethic of O'Leary. "He was able to develop his swimming skills as a member of the Barrington Swim Club and in addition, Griffin is a honors student who enjoys serving others via school clubs.
"His academic success will enable him to attend a top tier university for sports and education. His family has a strong swimming background."
Barrington recorded a stellar 15th-place team finish at Evanston last year, and although there won't be a state finals meet this time around, Valentine knows that he has a strong squad again, in addition to leaders O'Leary and Langlois.
There will be top returning diver Andrew Moritz, plus a group of swimmers all with varsity experience including Judd Baron, Toby Cotner, Ben DeWeerdt, Dylan Guo, Sami Osman and Kyle Sherman.
Also, the Broncos will boast some freshmen standouts such as Rylan Anselm, David Bass, and Adam Gafney.
"Our team looks forward to swimming (versus) Fremd and the best of the Mid-Suburban League East division this year," said Valentine. "Griffin was a top six swimmer at IHSA state last year and should do well when finals meets times are published. Dan is primed for his senior year, and Rylan (Anselm) should make a strong run for MSL freshman of the year.
"All of our relays should be competitive this season. Our student-athletes are happy to be back in the water and look forward to the competition, the dual meets and the MSL conference championship."