Cora Garling

While West Chicago Community High School senior Cora Garling is quick to say she will not officially be competing at state, the previous Wildcat Chronicle Athlete of the Week expressed she is more than happy to cheer her team on as an alternate.

For Garling, the season has been one of tremendous growth.

“We kept showing up and getting the job done and improving, timewise and just teamwise too. We grew as individual swimmers and as a unified team by the end,” Garling said.

While swimming does come with ups and downs, Garling takes them in stride.

“Highs would definitely be the sectional meet where we were able to beat a really great team. Our two freestyle relays were very exhilarating. Especially the 400 free relay because we were behind St Charles North, then took the lead, then had to hold on and keep their best swimmer from catching us. And we held her off!” Garling said.

Over the past few months, through regular practices that bring students from the various schools together, the team has developed a strong bond.

“Swimming naturally has a way of pulling people together because we all like to share our pain with one another. And really, what’s nice is that even though we go to different schools, we all get jumbled up into lanes with people we don’t know. You’re stuck with those 5-8ish people all season and get to know them well,” Garling said.

She looks forward to enjoying the meet and cheering on her teammates in Westmont this weekend.