Normal West sent seven swimmers to the Boys Swim and Dive IHSA state finals this weekend (Feb. 27-28). 

Last Saturday (Feb. 21), the Wildcats had one relay and three individuals qualify. The med. relay made up of  Junior Cooper Franz, Junior Pierson Odland, Senior Josh Sunkel and Senior Jaxon Tomera got second and qualified for their chance this weekend.

Individually, freshman Ethan Rocke placed first in the 200 Free, 100 Free, 50 Free and 100 breaststroke. He will compete in each event this weekend, as well.

Junior Cooper Franz also placed 2nd in the 100 free and was sectional champion in 100 back.

Lastly, Junior Pierson Odland was a sectional champion in the 500 Free and placed 2nd in the 100 breaststroke.

Reaching the state meet means something different to each swimmer.

Franz sees it as a chance to stand out among his class.

Sunkel feels proud to be counted as one of the best swimmers in Illinois.

Tomera is excited about what it means for both him and the team, proud of how far they’ve come.

And Odland’s qualifying is the payoff to a season-long goal made even more meaningful, knowing how competitive Illinois’ swimmers are.

Together, the team’s responses shows how the team built the motivation and belief that every lap meant something bigger.  

Below, we asked each of the Wildcat qualifiers a couple questions as they head into the big weekend.

Question 1: What is your biggest motivator?

Cooper Franz (11)-My future with swimming in college, and just being up there to race the guys to give everybody a challenge to push further in the sport. That’s really the biggest motivator for me. 

Pierson Odland (11)-The thing that motivates me most is knowing my college years are coming up, and I need to be as prepared as possible.

Ethan Rocke (9)– My goal to be the best that I can motivates me to push for a state-qualifying time.

Jaxon Tomera (12)-Definitely my Dad, he’s always pushed me to send it and not think about what I need to, and instead goes for it with no distracting thoughts.

Question 2: What does qualifying for state mean to you?

Cooper Franz (11)-It means that I have a chance to really separate myself from some of the other swimmers in my graduating class.

Joshua Sunkel (12)– Qualifying for state to me means that I have earned my place in Illinois’s best of the best swimmers. 

Jaxon Tomera (12)- It means a lot to the team and me. I’m super proud of what the team has been able to accomplish this season, and we’re all hyped to finish the season strong.

Pierson Odland (11)–Qualifying for state means a lot to me; it’s been a season-long goal, and reaching it felt surreal. Since Illinois is one of the fastest swimming states, it feels like a much larger accomplishment.

Keep up-to-date with results by visiting the IHSA website! The meet is held at FMC Natatorium in Westmont, IL.