This season, the Normal West boys swim team didn’t just compete; they made history.
Through hard work, strong team chemistry, and months of dedication, the team broke multiple school records and made a memorable run at State.
They brought home the first state trophy in Normal West boys’ swimming history.
One of the biggest moments of the season came at sectionals, when the team broke the school record in the 200 medley relay. The relay team of seniors Joshua Sunkel (butterfly) and Jaxon Tomera (freestyle), along with juniors Cooper Franz (breaststroke) and Pierson Odland (backstroke), each swam personal best splits to secure their place in school history.
“For a long time, getting a school record was something I wanted to do,” said senior captain Sunkel,“Once we realized how much faster we had all gotten, we were like, we’ve got to get the school record.”
For many of the swimmers, seeing their names added to the record board was a moment years in the making.
Franz also broke an 11-year-old school record in the 100 breaststroke, another highlight of the season.
“Taking that record down from the board felt really good,” Franz said. “Both records were 11 years old, so that was exciting.”
While the team celebrated their success, they also stayed focused on improving.
Even at State, where competition from across Illinois is much stronger, the swimmers saw it as a learning experience.
“At local meets we’re usually placing first or second,” Odland said.
“But at State, with teams from the Chicago suburbs, it’s a lot faster. It’s a humbling experience.”
Despite the higher level of competition, the team still performed well, with swimmers making finals and earning All-State honors.
The atmosphere at the meet was unlike anything else they experienced during the season.
“State is like sectionals times ten,” Tomera said. “There’s a bigger audience, more people who really care about the sport, and it’s just an awesome environment.”
The team’s historic season was highlighted by a remarkable performance from freshman Ethan Rocke, who competed in the IHSA Athletes With Disabilities (AWD) division.
Rocke won four state titles in the 50-yard freestyle, 100-yard freestyle, 200-yard freestyle, and 100-yard breaststroke, becoming the first IHSA AWD state champion in Normal West history.
Rocke’s dominant performance played a major role in helping the Wildcats secure the program’s first-ever state trophy, finishing as state runner-up in the combined AWD and able-bodied division.
Beyond records and medals, much of the team’s success came from their strong bond outside the pool.
Team dinners, practices, and traveling to meets helped build a supportive environment that translated into strong performances.
“We always pick on each other a little bit,” Sunkel said, “but in the end we’re all there for each other. It’s kind of like a family.”
Franz agreed that the team’s camaraderie played a major role in the season’s success. “It definitely helps to have fun guys on the team,” he said. “Getting to know each other and spending time together outside the pool makes a big difference.”
Like any season, the swimmers faced challenges – from early morning practices to staying mentally disciplined throughout the long season.
“The hardest part is just staying dedicated,” Franz said. “You have to keep telling yourself you’re going to come back to practice and work hard every day.”
Even setbacks became motivation.
“I use bad swims as motivation to get better,” Sunkel said. “If we’re going fast even during hard practices, it makes you excited to see how much faster we can go later.”
With multiple school records broken, historic state performances, and a young group of swimmers returning next season, the team believes this year is just the beginning.
“We broke two school records this year,” Odland said. “Next year, we’re hoping for even more.”
After a season filled with record-breaking swims, historic achievements, and the program’s first state trophy, the Normal West boys swim team has already proven they are building something special.
