Six of North’s varsity boys swimmers competed at State competition on Feb. 23 and 24. Seniors William Deutmeyer, Matthew Stratton, Walker Hornstrom, junior Brady Nightlinger, sophomore Collin Beu and freshman Thomas McMillan swam at the FMC Natatorium in Westmont, IL for the competition.
The team got 13th overall, and McMillan earned a school record of 49.17 seconds for his 100m Backstroke. McMillan was All-State, meaning he was chosen to represent Illinois, and the team raced a Medley Relay that was All-American, meaning they achieved the published All-American time.
“I was extremely happy and proud of what the team was able to accomplish,” said Nightlinger.
Throughout the season, swimmers practiced five days a week, twice a day, November through February. Leading up to State, the swimmers’ routine changed to best prepare them for peak performance.
“We started tapering about a week before so practice got easier going into the meet,” said McMillan.
Most of the team has been competing since a very young age, and both Nightlinger and Deutmeyer have competed at State in previous years.
“William Deutmeyer and Brady Nightlinger were the two veterans,” said Robert Rooney, boys and girls varsity swim and dive coach.
Leading up to the competition, swimmers had to work hard to control their nerves. Although they were very nervous, they were able to keep their composure and not let it affect their performance.
“[I felt] excited, you know; very great group of boys, hard working, very calm, cool, collected,” said Rooney. “I was very optimistic and looking forward to what they could achieve.”
Rooney was proud of his team and is even more excited about what is yet to come.
“It’s a road back to where we would like to get to, which is to be a top five team in the state year in and year out,” said Rooney. “We’re building back with a young group of boys and we have very solid senior leadership.”
