After a season in which the varsity women’s swim team went 5-1 in dual meets, the Titans went on to the state meet Nov. 19 to return with a fifth place finish.

According to head coach Kelly Timson, the squad’s work ethic was higher than ever before. For Timson, the high level and consistency of the work prepared them well for the post-season.

“We worked really hard in the pool[…] harder than we ever had before,” Timson said. “Also, our mental training and our confidence helped us at the state meet.”

For Timson, the overall impressive performance of the team has started from the dual meets and grown from there.

“[We were] much better in dual meets and Conference, and we got second [place in Conference],” Timson said. “Traditionally, we have been more like third.”

Next for South came Sectionals where they were able to send eight swimmers onto the state meet. In the past two visits, South has finished ninth and seventh place at state. According to junior Olivia Smoliga, South’s fifth place finish was very exciting for them.

“We did awesome,” Smoliga said. “We were really hoping for top three, but there were so many powerhouses there like New Trier, Fenwick [and] Loyola […] they are all so fast.” While the team performed well as a whole, including breaking five school records, Smoliga was the biggest contribu- tor for the Titans, breaking two more state records. Smo- liga now holds three of 12 state records.

Smoliga feels that while she certainly receives a lot of recognition, she is just another cog in the swimming machine.

“I think of myself like any other athlete at GBS,” Smoliga said. “I just love what I do, and I am so grateful that I’m good at it. It’s really cool to think people think that.” Smoliga’s performance at State warranted her second consecutive return to

Nationals on Dec. 3. Competing in the 100-backstroke, Smoliga placed second to Missy Franklin, the world record holder for the 200-meter backstroke.

Looking back, Timson feels that this is one of the best teams she has had, and is thankful for their overall performance.

“[This was] probably one of the most successful overall [teams] I have had,” Timson said. “We were a [much] deeper team then we have ever [been] before, top to bottom.”

2011 State Tournament Results

5th place overall: Glenbrook South (97 points)

1st place: Olivia Smoliga 50 yd freestyle- (22.55)

1st place: Olivia Smoliga  100 yd freestyle- (48.92)

2nd place: Olivia Smoliga, Anna Veselovsky, Katie Wells, Niki Wells 200 yd freestyle relay- (1:34.80)

3rd place: Olivia Smoliga, Hallie Hengels, Kimmy Durkin, Katie Wells 200 yd medley relay- (1:43.94)

9th place: Hallie Hengels

100 yd breaststroke- (1:05.54)

10th place: Katie Wells

100 yd freestyle (52.40)