After a long season of success, Chesterton’s swim season ended better than it has in years. Two swimmers earned the most medals possible (4) at state: Brenley Bonez and Adalyn Laughner.
The team traveled to Indianapolis after winning sectionals and qualifying at least one swimmer in 9 of 11 events. To qualify, a swimmer has to either a) win their sectional or b) make the state cut in time.
Sectionals is long, but it had no shortage of fun moments for the whole team.
“I like sectionals the best,” said junior Adalyn Laughner, who’s been swimming for 10 years and has the hardware to prove it. “This time, we got walkout songs. So if you won prelims, you get to pick a song. It’s really fun.”
Overall, the team placed 8th (at the state meet) – better than last season.
“It was definitely exciting, because we haven’t been top 8 in a while,” Laughner commented.
Laughner ended her day with four medals. Swimmers are limited to four events total, with only two individuals allowed. She medaled in the 100 free and 100 backstroke. She shares two medals with her 200 Medley and 400 Free relay team: juniors Peyton Ostertag and Tegan Werner, and freshman Brenely Bonez, who also maxed out her medals.
“We’re all really close,” said Laughner. “It just helps a lot to have support from other swimmers.”
The relay team had a record-breaking season: the Medley relay broke the team record, the 400-free relay broke the sectional record. And the team members are also great friends, especially at state.
“We all hang out in one room, basically the whole time. We watch each other’s events and cheer each other on,” recalled Laughner.
And just like most sports, the girls’ swim team has its fair share of strange but fun traditions. Most professional swimmers shave or wax their body hair to help with aerodynamics. The CHS team has turned this into a tradition:
“Every year, we do a shaving party,” Laughner explained. “We all go to one room and shave our legs and arms.”
After a season like this one, the team can’t help but look forward to the future. Next year’s goal? More than top 8, according to Laughner.
“We want to get top 5 at state next year,” she said.
When asked to encourage aspiring swimmers, Laughner had some solid points to share.
“Just keep going with it. Persevere. It’s always going to be worth it in the end,” advised Laughner. “Even if the practices hurt, you’re all going through it together.”
After a successful year for the whole team, with two members maxing out their state medals, CHS Girls’ Swim looks forward to the offseason of rest, but more importantly, the opportunity to improve their finish next season.
