The West Chicago boys’ swim team celebrated its seniors during their final home meet against Benet Academy on Feb. 16, marking their last competition before IHSA sectionals on Feb. 22 in St. Charles. While the meet served as a sendoff for the Class of 2024, it also highlighted the depth of the program, with both varsity and JV swimmers contributing throughout the season.
For senior Dominik Mohai, who competed at the JV level, the season was one of growth.
“It was my first season. It was very difficult at the beginning, but near the end, I got way better,” Mohai said. “The highlight for me was probably just seeing the improvement throughout the months of swimming and talking to people.”
Now, with the postseason officially here, the Wildcats are hoping to capitalize on months of hard work as they take to the pool at sectionals tomorrow.
Season Highlights
The Wildcats showcased their depth and versatility across multiple meets, consistently placing at the top in individual and relay events.
- BGHS Varsity Invite (Jan. 25) – West Chicago won the team title with six gold medals and standout performances, including Nathan Lindstrom’s win in the 100 Fly (50.88) and 2nd place in the 200 IM (1:52.74), Shane Johnson’s victories in the 100 Free (48.00) and 200 Free (1:42.96), and Tommy Eng’s sweep of the 100 Breast (59.69) and 200 IM (2:00.46).
- 13th Annual Mike Coleman Invite (Jan. 18) – Another dominant outing saw Lindstrom, Johnson, and Sam Ortiz lead the Wildcats to victory. Lindstrom topped the podium in the 50 Free (22.43) and placed 2nd in the 100 Fly (52.56), while Johnson took 1st in the 50 Back (27.03).
- George Klumb Memorial (Jan. 4) – Tommy Eng led the team with a 5th-place finish in the 200 IM, while Lindstrom placed 3rd in the 200 Free (1:46.46).
- Wheelock College Events (Jan. 11) – Brady Jordan clocked 51.65 in the 100 Free while Lindstrom secured a top-five finish in the 200 Free (1:57.92).
- Upstate Eight Conference Championship (Feb. 8) – The team delivered an outstanding performance, winning its seventh consecutive UEC title. All three relay teams won their events, with Nathan Lindstrom and Michael Marsh taking 1-2 in the 200 Free, and Lindstrom, Jordan, and Eng posting wins in their respective events.
Standout Swimmers
The Wildcats’ success this season has been driven by a strong senior class that has consistently contributed across multiple events:
- Nathan Lindstrom – One of West Chicago’s most dominant swimmers, Lindstrom set personal bests in the 100 Fly (50.88) and 200 IM (1:52.74) and has been a key performer in freestyle and backstroke events.
- Brady Jordan – A sprinter specializing in freestyle and backstroke, Jordan placed 2nd in the 50 Free (22.86) and 100 Free (49.08) at the BGHS Invite, with a season-best of 48.43 in the 100 Free.
- Tommy Eng – A breaststroke and IM specialist, Eng won the 100 Breast at UEC and the BGHS Invite, while clocking 59.69 in the event this season.
- Sam Ortiz – One of the team’s top sprinters, Ortiz finished 4th in the 50 Free (22.05) and 100 Free (48.41) at sectionals last season and continues to push for state qualification.
- Alejandro Jacob – A versatile competitor, Jacob won the 100 Breast at the Buffalo Grove Invite (1:00.25) and placed 2nd in the 200 IM at UEC.
- Shane Johnson – A dominant freestyle swimmer, Johnson recorded season-best times in the 50 Free (22.53), 100 Free (48.00), and 200 Free (1:42.96) while securing multiple first-place finishes at major meets.
Looking Ahead to Sectionals
With their final home meet behind them, the Wildcats are now tapering and focusing on sectionals on Feb. 22. Several swimmers, including Lindstrom, Jordan, Eng, Ortiz, and Johnson, are in strong contention to qualify for the IHSA State Championships.
As the Wildcats prepare for their biggest test of the season, they hope to continue their momentum and extend their season beyond sectionals.