Warren juniors Hailey Benoit and Grace Bevers have had to adjust their goals amid an evolving season.
As sophomores, Benoit and Bevers were state qualifiers in the 100-yard backstroke, and both targeted this season as a good opportunity to significantly lower their times.
On Monday, the Illinois High School Association’s board of directors approved a modified postseason state series that will feature a single round of regional competition for numerous fall sports, including girls swimming and diving, because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Although she won’t get the opportunity to compete in a state meet, Bevers said she remains focused on making the best of a shortened season.
“I still have a few goals for this season,” Bevers said. “I want to qualify for those state times again. … I think it would be great to have that feeling of accomplishment knowing that I can still qualify for state in the midst of a pandemic.
“My second goal is to break our school’s 200 individual medley record. I was half a second from breaking it last year, and seeing the time I have to break on the record board every day really motivates me. My last goal is to just have fun. I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself, especially because of what’s going on in the world right now. I want to enjoy my season and make the best of it.”
Benoit, a two-time state qualifier, admitted she was disappointed following the IHSA’s decision.
“At the end of last season, I made it a goal to make it to state in the 100 backstroke, the 100 butterfly and a relay,” she said. “Unfortunately, I won’t even get the opportunity to fulfill my goals of making state.
“This year our team is really focusing on technique and building endurance to get us prepared for next season if things get back to normal.”
Warren coach Chris Bertana said his numbers are slightly down this season, most likely because of the pandemic. The Blue Devils typically have a roster of 50 swimmers, but it’s down to 39.
Even with the reduced schedule, Bertana said his swimmers are focused on a strong showing in the North Suburban Conference. The Blue Devils placed sixth with 120 points at the 2019 Highland Park Sectional.
“Overall, we’re pretty solid, just as good as last year,” Bertana said. “I think we’re still all pretty much motivated about this season.”
Bevers said she gained valuable insight from her state meet appearance, which motivated her throughout the offseason. She said the current situation adds another layer of leadership for the upperclassmen.
“This season I feel like I have been much better at motivating myself and others,” she said. “I know many girls are scared of COVID-19 right now, and I like to help them enjoy their time at the pool and push them to work hard. It’s nice to take your mind off what is going on in the world right now and focus on yourself and swimming while having fun at a safe distance.”
Benoit said this season has a different feel than previous seasons because of the pandemic. The Blue Devils, like all swimmers, will have to learn to compete without fans in attendance, and they also have been broken up into three separate teams — varsity, junior varsity and JV 2.
“We’ve had to made a lot of changes,” she said. “Last year it seemed our team was closer because we were able to practice together and have team bonding activities. This year, we have had to stay separate for our safety.”
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.