May 19, 2024
Girls Swimming

DeKalb-Sycamore co-op winning the numbers game heading into season

By T. Swanson
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DeKalb-Sycamore senior swimmer Grace Flemming does the breaststroke during practice Aug. 22 at Huntley Middle School in DeKalb. (Mark Busch)

It has been a numbers game for the DeKalb-Sycamore co-op girls swim team over the past several years. With 18 girls on the team this season, the numbers are definitely good.

Last year, the team had only 11 swimmers to fill out its roster, which was a challenge. With more swimmers this year, coach Melanie Chambers is excited.

“We are looking forward to having a bigger team this year,” Chambers said.

DeKalb-Sycamore has 11 freshmen among the 18 girls who are on the team. Last year, the team only had one freshman. Many of the freshmen swim year-round which is a big plus for the team.

“We have a good amount of talent joining us from the freshmen class,” Chambers said.

One of the hurdles to overcome this season is that some of the girls are newer to swimming.

“So many new girls to the team who haven’t swam before which is a challenge for us,” Chambers said. “We’ve been working hard to get them ready to compete in meets.”

The Barbs moved into the DuPage Valley Conference this year. The DVC has many powerhouse swimmers from schools such as Naperville Central, Naperville North, Matea Valley and Neuqua Valley.

“We will be competing against teams who are much faster than us,” Chambers said.

Some of the goals for the co-op this year are to win more nonconference meets and finish higher in regionals and sectionals.

“We have been working incredibly hard to prepare and get ready for our meet season,” Chambers said.

An upperclassman to watch this season is Grace Flemming. This senior wants to make it to the IHSA State Meet in either the 200-yard freestyle, 500 freestyle or the 100 backstroke. Flemming was the Daily Chronicle Girls Swimmer of the Year last year.

Another senior swimmer to watch is Elizabeth White. She hopes to do well in the 100 butterfly and 200 IM.

A freshman to keep an eye on is Nicole Skrzypek. Look for her to do well in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle and 200 freestyle.

“We are looking forward to a great season with rebuilding and joining our new conference,” Chambers said.