Last season, the Evanston Township High School boys swimming team finished 20th in the state meet. The Wildkits hope to match or improve on that performance this year.
“I just want to make a difference on the team, getting up and scoring points, whether it be at dual meets or invitations,” said junior John McBratney. “By the end of the year, my goal is to make State, hopefully in the 500-yard freestyle. I think with hard work I can get there.”
McBratney added, “We have a pretty good squad, and with the work we have been and will be putting in, by the end of the year we will see a lot of good swims and a good presence at State.”
On Dec. 11, the Kits finished first out of six teams in the White division of the Bronco Relays at Barrington High School. The Kits were tied with St. Charles East for the top spot with 72 points; Fenwick finished second with 71 points.
“I think overall the team got up and swam well. After a few weeks we are all a little tired, and as we get into the groove of the season, the times will hopefully get faster. We had a pretty strong presence across the board [in Barrington], getting top three in almost every relay and a few first-place finishes,” said McBratney regarding that meet.
Those finishing in first place for the Kits were the 300-yard backstroke relay and 800-yard freestyle relay teams. The 300-yard backstroke team is made up of Hunter Wilson, Wes Marberry, Ben Sommer and Aaron Mohrenweiser. The 800-yard freestyle team is composed of Wilson, McBratney, Illan Ireland and William Sparks.
On Dec. 17, the Kits took on Central Suburban League South Conference rival Niles North and won the meet, 97-89. The next day, the Kits hosted a meet with Loyola and Rockford Guilford and took second place, with Loyola winning the meet. Marberry led the Kits with two first-place finishes in the 200-yard individual medley and the 100-yard backstroke.
As to which teams they are looking forward to competing against this season, McBratney said, “I think the whole team is really looking forward to New Trier [Jan. 21] and Glenbrook South [Feb. 4]. We know a lot of guys on those teams and it is always good to have some rivalry to motivate us to swim fast.”
Freshman Joe Seguine-Hall added, “I look forward to racing against New Trier because I know a lot of swimmers from [there] and I look forward to beating them.”
Next up for the Kits is the New Trier Diving Invite on Dec. 28. From there, the Kits visit Niles West on Jan. 7. They return home to participate in the Evanston Invite on Jan. 8.