This year’s Joliet West swim team has been working hard in and out of the pool. With relentless motivation, the 2015-2016 swim team has been diving into many wins and new records.

Just this last month on January 23, the boys varsity 200 free relay placed fourth at the Lockport invite. One of the members of the relay, junior Kentrell Daniels, has been swimming for three years and participates in the 200 medley relay, 200 free relay, 50 free, and 200 free. Daniels shared his thoughts about the team saying, “The team is really close this year and it’s nice to see the guys working hard to get what we want.”

Everyone knows having good team chemistry is important, and luckily this team has it. With having two practices a day over Christmas break and then continuing to see each other after school, the dedication the guys have is undeniable. When commenting about the team, Daniels said, “My favorite thing about the swim team is that win or lose, the team is still happy and we always support each other.”

One swimmer who has been working very hard and breaking records this season is junior Jonathon Yanello. He has been swimming for 10 years and hopes to win sectionals and make it to state. At the SWSC Conference, he won the 100 fly and 50 free and he will work just as hard at sectionals.

Despite the grueling hard work, the guys still know how to enjoy themselves. Yanello said his favorite part of the team is being able to have fun with his friends and coaches. “We always have a good time, win or lose,” Yanello stated, “and we know we’re up against ourselves not necessarily everyone else.”

It is obvious the swim team has a lot of dedication. They truly want to make their mark and they could have their chance. This year sectionals falls on February 20 and state on February 26. “We’re putting Joliet back on the map,” Daniels stated, and we have no doubt that they will.