Girls swimming and diving: St. Charles North, Kaneland's Hayes geared up for top finishes at state
St. Charles North girls swimming coach Rob Rooney realizes how strong the New Trier and Hinsdale Central programs are. But, the North Stars' coach is only worried about his team's performance at this weekend's state meet, which will be held at the FMC Natatorium in Westmont for the first time.
"New Trier has two of the best swimmers in state history," said Rooney. "They are strong individuals. Hinsdale has great relays. We can't control either program. We can only control ourselves and see what unfolds. We have to be the best team we can be. We can only take care of ourselves."
The North Stars bring an abundance of talent to Westmont this weekend.
Isabelle Beu posted the fourth-best sectional time in the 200 individual medley with a clocking of 2:04.14. Paige Armstrong garnered the fifth seed in the 100 backstroke in a time of 56.09 while Jillian Wilson turned in the sixth-best time in the 100 butterfly with a clocking 56.04.
The Stars should also challenge for top honors in the relays, with Wilson, Julia Fifer, Quinn Bike and Angelina Messina posting the third-best time in the 200 medley (1:43.98) and Fifer, Messina, Beu and Anna Buvary also third in the 200 freestyle in a time of 1:35.98.
The Stars had the fourth-best sectional time in the 400 freestyle with a time of 3:29.99. The relay team consists of Buvary, Fifer, Armstrong and Elizabeth Bawolek.
Another good chance for a state championships comes from Kaneland sophomore sensation Leah Hayes, who had the state's best sectional time in the 100 freestyle (49.78) and 200 IM (2:00.29).
Hayes, who was Sports Illustrated for Kids 2018 Sports Kid of the Year, at the age of 6 was diagnosed with alopecia, a condition that caused her hair to fall out.
"Going into the state meet as the No. 1 seed, she is the one to chase right now," said Kaneland coach Kris Busse. "Leah has been a dominant force in Illinois swimming for awhile, I think everyone is excited to see what she will do. There is definitely some tough competition out there."
Youthful Rosary placed third in the rugged Metea Valley sectional.
The Beads, with freshman Elizabeth Nawrocki and Becky Rentz along with sophomore Lauren O' Connor and senior Sarah Jass, had the best clocking in the sectionals in the 200 medley relay (1:42.75).
Rosary's 200 free relay team of Jass, Rentz, freshman Bella Wojtowicz and Oliva Moore, had the fourth-best sectional time of 1:35.98.
Individually, Rentz (100 butterfly, 54.85) and Nawrocki (100 breaststroke) had the third-best times in the sectionals while Jass was fifth in the 200 IM (2:04.14)
"Being such a young team we were hoping the girls would be oblivious to the pressure of the sectionals," said Rosary coach Glenn Brown. "Some of our freshmen swam in big meets like the Summer Futures. We have swam against fast teams all season and will be tested against fast teams this weekend. The future looks bright for the Beads."
Huntley senior Ella Young, a state qualifier two years ago as a sophomore, is seeking a Top 25 finish in the 100 butterfly.
"Ella is seeded with a 57.89 and is hoping for a time drop," said Huntley coach Jenna Gaudio. "Participating in the state meet two years ago has certainly helped her prepare. Overall, she is excited to have another opportunity at the IHSA state meet."
Individual state qualifiers for St. Charles East include Sophia Mruk (100 freestyle, 200 freestyle) and Katie Kempff (diving) along with Maggie Szerlong (diving) and the 200 freestyle team of Mruk, Alenia Spaniol, Allyson Kichka and Payton Dorman.
"We are looking forward to swimming at the new facility this weekend," said St. Charles East coach Adam Musial. "Our goal coming into this weekend is to find a little more speed and focus on details. We are hoping to have some girls make it into the finals on Saturday."
West Chicago/Batavia co-op will be represented at the state meet by Amelia Murphy (200 freestyle) and Ashley Sego (200 IM). West Chicago's 200 medley relay team of Sego, Sarah Michael, Kelly Shortall and Cami Mayo also qualified for the state meet.
Other area state qualifiers include South Elgin's Kaylin Olson and Morgan McCloskey (diving), Cary-Grove's Maggie Bendell (diving) West Aurora's Annabel Olivio ( (100 backstroke, 50 freestyle) and Crystal Lake South's Avery Watson (100 butterfly).