WEGO’s swim team stroked its way through IHSA Sectionals, placing second on Nov. 8 against many state-qualifying teams, including St. Charles East, Bartlett, Huntley, and South Elgin. The North Stars claimed first overall, but WEGO made a statement with several top-three finishes and multiple state qualifiers.
In the 200-yard medley relay, the quartet of Claire Simon, Ryann Lehan, Jenna Bilut, and Claire Schumacher placed second with a time of 1:46.68, just behind St. Charles North’s 1:43.90 finish. Senior Audrey Lindstrom took third in the 200-yard freestyle (1:52.62), followed closely by junior Emery Larsen in fourth (1:53.43). Sophomore Claire Simon earned second in the 200-yard individual medley (2:10.37), and freshman Katie Conklin finished third (2:11.66).
In sprint events, Conklin captured first place in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 23.11 seconds, edging out St. Charles North’s Hannah Maksimuk (23.61). Schumacher placed fifth (23.93) as WEGO stacked the top heat. Sophomore Jenna Bilut impressed with a second-place finish in the 100-yard butterfly (55.94) and a fourth-place showing in the 500-yard freestyle (5:06.27).
“It means so much to me because of how hard everyone on this team has worked this season to end up on this state team,” Lehan said.
The girls had a long season, staying several hours after school to improve their technique and stamina—the results of which were demonstrated at sectionals.
In the 100-yard freestyle, Conklin placed second (50.92) behind St. Charles North senior Tessalina Stavropoulos (50.86), while Schumacher earned fourth (52.93). Larsen and Simon nearly tied in the 100-yard backstroke, taking third (58.00) and fourth (58.01), respectively. Lehan placed fourth in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:08.44).
“Qualifying for state allows me the opportunity to represent my team at the highest level after a season of hard work,” sophomore Bilut said.
The Wildcats shone in relays, capturing two first-place finishes. The 200-yard freestyle relay of Schumacher, Maddie Seykora, Lindstrom, and Conklin posted a winning time of 1:34.65, narrowly topping St. Charles North’s 1:35.33. The 400-yard freestyle relay of Bilut, Lindstrom, Conklin, and Larsen also earned first with a 3:28.38, again out-touching the North Stars (3:29.13).
In diving, West Chicago Co-op sophomore Elianna Moody dominated the field with a score of 512.70, winning the event by more than 60 points over St. Charles North’s Gabriella Egan (444.55).
“It means that we get to see our hard work pay off and ultimately meet the end goal of making state finals,” junior Emery Larsen said. “Watching our relays take down St. Charles North at sectionals was the best moment of the season.”
The team will now advance to the IHSA State Finals Nov. 14-15, continuing a tradition of strong postseason performances for the Wildcat co-op girls swim program.
“State can be a nerve-wracking meet, but I’m always proud to represent WEGO, and [I] am very excited to have a lot of my teammates there with me,” senior Claire Conklin said.