Boys’ Swimming and Diving Team qualifies for State

(L-R) Coach Cindy Dell, Dylan Walsh, Ben Longeway, Josh Back, Timmy Rukavina, Miles Liebovich, Stefan Cucuz, Coach Dave Gray

Courtesy of Niki Walsh

(L-R) Coach Cindy Dell, Dylan Walsh, Ben Longeway, Josh Back, Timmy Rukavina, Miles Liebovich, Stefan Cucuz, Coach Dave Gray

Dylan Walsh, Sports Editor

In an impressive feat, the Lake Forest High School Swimming and Diving Team qualified for the State Championship meet in three events.  This is the first team since 2020 that the team has qualified for State. The team, which has been training tirelessly for months, has been rewarded with the chance to compete against the best high school swimmers and divers in the state.

The team’s first qualification came in the form of the 200 medley relay, with the quartet of Dylan Walsh, Miles Liebovich, Timmy Rukavina, and Ben Longeway opening up the meet with a bang. This group worked together throughout the season, ultimately securing their place in the state championship meet. The team is looking to take their success in the relay and build upon it and is hoping to top their performances from last weekend. 

The team’s second qualification came from their diver, sophomore Josh Back, who put on a stunning performance on Saturday morning and was ultimately also able to secure a place in the state championship meet. 

Finally, the team’s third qualification came in the form of junior Ben Longeway, who qualified in both the 100 fly and the 200 IM. Ben is seeded 7th in the 100 fly, and 12th in the IM. He is looking to continue his success at the state championship meet and bring home some well-deserved accolades.

“Throughout the season, Coach Cindy Dell has been thrilled with the team’s success and the confidence that they have what it takes to compete at the state championship level,” senior captain Harry Moore said. 

Overall, the high school swimming and diving team’s three qualifications for the state championship meet are a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication. The team is looking forward to competing at the state championship meet and showcasing their skills against some of the best high school swimmers and divers in the state. State preliminaries start at 3:00 Friday, and the state finals start at 1:00 on Saturday.