This season was supposed to mark the end of a long run of successful swim teams at Downers Grove North.
The Trojans aren’t going anywhere just yet.
Despite graduating arguably the most talented group of seniors in school history, the Trojans find themselves where they were a year ago, sectional champs and heading into this weekend’s state meet with hopes of bringing home a trophy.
Twins Gabby Sims (Harvard) and Maddy Sims (Northwestern) led Downers North to a second-place finish at state, its first state swimming trophy.
“We definitely have something to prove,” said senior Gabriele Serniute, who will be making her fourth appearance in the state meet. “We lost two great swimmers last year, but we still have a really great team. I’d say we are a bit underrated. But that just fires us up to show everyone that we can do great things.”
Serniute, a state champion in the medley relay last year, is one of three seniors on whom the Trojans will rely this weekend at Evanston. A recent Illinois signee, Serniute will be joined by classmate and fellow medley swimmer Emily Albrecht, senior Daria Wick, sophomore Lindsay Mathys, freshman Ellie Benge and sophomore divers Emily and Elizabeth Aument.
The Trojans won all three relays Saturday at the York Sectional and had individual champions in the 200-yard medley (Serniute), 50 freestyle (Albrecht) and 100 freestyle (Mathys).
“These girls really wanted to do well and knew what it took to follow in the steps of the team from last year,” said Downers North coach Judy Busse, whose teams have captured five sectional titles since 2007. “They were on a mission. The seniors on this team spent half the season making college visits, so it was not your typical season for us.
“If we can make a run in the relays, that would be great. If we can eke out a trophy, that would be wonderful. If not, hopefully we do well. But I do know it will be a while before we get four quality kids like this together.”
Three of the four have announced their college choices, with Albrecht signing with Ohio State and Wick with the University of Chicago.
The relay teams of Serniute, Albrecht, Wick and Mathys have the fastest qualifying times in two of the three relay events, while Serniute has the top time in the 200 medley and Albrecht is tops in the 50 free.
Will it be enough for this group to bring home a trophy?
“I trust my teammates, and we want a trophy. I don’t care which one,” Albrecht said. “I’m sure there were a lot of people who thought we would struggle throughout the season. But with all the work we’ve put in and all the training, we had expectations to live up to. I wasn’t surprised we’re here. We have a reputation to uphold.”