It was two hectic evenings in Evanston High School as swimmers from high schools throughout Illinois gathered to compete one last time before the official end of the high school swimming season.  The stands were packed and Hinsdale Central’s student section was full of support.

“The excitement was exhilarating,” said Jazmin Shenouda, a junior who swam the 400 yard freestyle relay that placed 12^th in state. “This was my second time swimming at state. I swam for all three relays at state. When our 400 free relay qualified for finals, we literally had tears in our eyes.”

Swimming is a highly competitive sport with many levels of competition. Swimming at a state level is an experience entirely different from most other swim meets.

“You can really feel the importance of the moment. I really tried to go for my goal times and go as fast as I could. Everyone could notice our student section. It was quite a presence at the meet,” Shenouda said.

Behind every sports team are the coaches who dedicate their time and passion into their instruction.

“It was a really great season,” said Sally Belter, an assistant coach who played a vital role in helping organize and support the team. “It was really cool to see this fantastic group of swimmers compete, especially the freshmen who really have had an impact from day one. It was so fun to see those guys compete for the first time at the state level.”

Even though the season might be over, the spirit and drive to do come back and do better next year have never been stronger.

“We will continue to build off this great season next year. We will continue to use our depth to our advantage. Most of the girls are probably returning to their club teams, keeping in shape in the course of the off season,” Belter said.

Overall the girls placed 14^th at state. Their victory is yet another example of the athletic excellence at Central in this successful fall sports season.