The WEGO girls swim team closed out its season with a strong performance at the IHSA State Championships Nov. 14–15 at FMC Natatorium in Westmont, finishing 12th overall and advancing to finals in five events.
Before competition began, swimmers prepared by stretching, listening to music and settling in as they focused on the upcoming races. Parents filled the stands ahead of the 10 a.m. start, hanging posters, greeting their athletes and creating a supportive atmosphere inside the natatorium.
As swimmers from across Illinois warmed up, echoes of team chants bounced off the water, raising the intensity inside the facility and setting the tone for the opening races.
When officials signaled the first event, the crowd quieted before erupting again as competitors left the blocks.
Senior Claire Conklin earned two top-10 finishes, placing sixth in the 50 freestyle and 10th in the 100 freestyle. Junior Jenna Bilut also reached finals, finishing 13th in the 100 butterfly.
The Wildcats found success in relays as well:
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The 200 free relay of Conklin, Claire Schumacher, Maddie Seykora and Audrey Lindstrom placed ninth.
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The 400 free relay of Bilut, Emery Larsen, Lindstrom and Conklin placed seventh.
Throughout the meet, students, teammates and families packed the stands, many wearing school colors and holding handmade banners above the pool. Their cheering continued through each heat, sustaining a high-energy environment throughout the two-day event.
The state meet marked a strong finish to WEGO’s 2025 season and highlighted the team’s depth, consistency and postseason success.