Ryan Chu is trying to finish his senior season at Hinsdale South in a big way.
Chu is looking to qualify for the state meet later this month for the first time, but has developed higher aspirations. He recently learned that he was admitted to his first choice, Tampa, and hopes to earn a spot on the team with a strong postseason showing and more accomplishments in the offseason with the Hornet Swim Club.
“It’s really important for me [to swim in college],” Chu said. “All the other places I applied was for swimming. Swimming at Tampa would be one of my dreams now that I got in.”
Chu was one of three Hornets to win four events Saturday at the West Suburban Gold Meet at Hinsdale South. Senior teammate Jason Yang, the Hornets’ only state qualifier (24th in the 100 back) last season, and Kendrick Shin also won four events. Hinsdale South (335) won its fourth consecutive conference title with championships in nine events.
“The team has worked so hard all season long,” Hornets coach Beth Walker said. “I’m blown away by how fast they swam this weekend. They are not even shaved or tapered yet.”
Chu’s recent success seems to have taken Walker by surprise.
“I don’t know [what’s happened],” Walker said. “He is really pushing it. All of those guys are so focused on qualifying for state. Ryan has dropped time for colleges. The thing is, he really really is determined.”
Chu will likely compete for Hinsdale South’s water polo in the spring, but those plans could change in the next few weeks depending on the sectional results. Chu said he has complete faith in Walker, who is in her first season after serving as an assistant coach.
“This is the best year of my swimming career so far,” Chu said.
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Chu, Yang and Shin combined to win two relays. Those three Hornets, along with David Kulhavy, took the 200-yard medley relay (1:50.10) and 400 free relay (3:21.56).
Chu won the 100 breast (1:01.95) and 200 free (1:50.10), while Yang took titles in the 100 butterfly (54.91) and 100 back (56.39). Shin’s wins were in the 200 individual medley (2:06.25) and 500 free (5:12.53).
Hinsdale South will compete Feb. 21 against West Suburban Silver champion Hinsdale Central and runner-up Lyons for state berths at the York Sectional.
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