Waubonsie Valley achieves state goal

All season long the Waubonsie Valley boys swimming team has been focused on finishing in the top ten at the state meet.

On Saturday, that goal became a reality as the Warriors took ninth place in state on a day that was highlighted by scoring efforts in two relays and three individual swims.

“Our team has a lot of things to be proud of,” said Waubonsie Valley coach Nick Arens. “Both the 200 medley and 200 free relays dropped a ton of time and both made all-american. We set a school record in the medley relay. Our boys accomplished all our team goals and a lot more.”

Host New Trier ran away with the meet with 189 points. Hinsdale Central was runner-up with 95, followed by Lake Forest with 93. Marmion was seventh with 63 and Waubonsie Valley scored 61 to finish ninth.

The Warriors were sparked by senior Adam Stacklin, who finished second in the 100 freestyle and fourth in the 200 freestyle. He also led off the 200 medley relay which finished sixth and anchored the 200 free relay that finished seventh.

“I’m happy with the meet we had,” said Stacklin. “I would have liked to go a little faster in the 200, but all in all it was a pretty good final day for us.”

Michael McWhirter of Waubonsie finished eighth in the 50 free and was also a member of the two scoring relay teams.

McWhirter, who was tied for the 11th seed going into the finals of the 50 free, moved up three spots to give the Warriors extra points.

“I was a little disappointed after Friday’s race,” said McWhirter. “But I stuck right in there today. My dive and my turn really helped me push through the water.”

Arens had praise for his relays teams which also included Stephen Ernst and Kelvin Neweton in the medley relay, and Newton and Bailey York in the 200 free.

He also lauded the leadership of McWhirter and Stacklin.

“McWhirter did a lifetime best in the 50,” said Arens. “He’s a great competitor and a great leader. Stacklin was back healthy this year and he put together a consistent run of great swims. When he goes on to the next level, he’s going to be successful. Whichever college he chooses will be lucky to have him. Adam hasn’t yet swum his best.”

Matt Salerno, a Metea Valley sophomore finished sixth in both the 200 IM and the 100 breaststroke. IMSA’s Steven Tan, who attended Waubonsie as a freshman, finished third in both the 100 freestyle and the 100 backstroke.

“I’m really pleased with the results,” said Tan. “I just wanted to score some points for IMSA. Getting third place in both is really something special. It’s great to know that I put in the effort and got to see the results.’

Marmion finished sixth in the 200 free relay and third in the 400 free relay.