Fourteen seniors fill out the Fenwick boys swim team’s roster this season. That’s a good number of experienced swimmers that hope to keep the pool churning in the wake of the girls team closing out the fall season by finishing runner-up at state for the second consecutive year.
Two upperclassmen that are back from a squad that finished in a three-way tie for 15th-place at state last season are Tommy McGuire and Justin White. Both swimmers were on Fenwick’s 200-yard freestyle relay team that finished fifth (1:26.71) at state last season. Tommy McGuire, a top-notch breaststroker who medaled in the event at the Peoria Invitational last year, is the eldest son of head coach and former Fenwick state champion swimmer Luke McGuire, who isn’t about to swim favorites.
“We have a bunch of breaststrokers on the team so [Tommy] has his work cut out for him to maintain that spot,” he said.
White, added the coach, is one of the team’s fastest swimmers. “He’s versatile and can be used in a number of events.”
Other seniors looking to make a splash this season include Matt Bresnahan, Matt Farmer, Matt Gallo and Trevor McLean among others.
With the additions of junior David Durkin and sophomore Max Showalter, the Friars have an opportunity to pick up points in the diving event.
“This could be the first time Fenwick qualifies two divers for the state meet,” said an optimistic Luke McGuire.
The coach calls newcomers Chezlan Daggs and Cavan Smith two fast swimmers that have the potential to make a significant impact early in their high school careers. Both are possible individual medley swimmers, and may provide much-needed depth for the relay events.
The Friars will try to to defend their Metro Catholic Aquatics Conference title this season. They welcome St. Viator and St. Rita for their first home meet on Dec. 9 (9 a.m.).
