The Boys’ Swim and Dive team captured its seventh state trophy in the past 20 years under Keith MacDonald, Boys’ Swim and Dive Head Coach. The team earned a third-place finish at the IHSA Boys Swim and Dive State Finals in February at FMC Natatorium in Westmont, MacDonald said
In the pool at the State Finals on Feb. 28, Noah Chen had a standout meet, placing fifth in the 200-yard individual medley (IM) and finishing as state runner-up in the 100-yard breaststroke. Jordan Ko added key points with a 10th-place finish in the 200 IM and ninth in the 100-yard breaststroke. Evan Cornoiu placed sixth in the 50-yard freestyle and fourth in the 100-yard freestyle, while Lucas Fernandez-Geddes took third in the 100-yard freestyle, MacDonald said. It was the relays that ultimately sealed the third-place finish, MacDonald said. The 200-yard freestyle relay team of Lucas Fernandez-Geddes, Noah Chen, Doren Pierce and Jordan Ko raced to a second-place finish. In the 400-yard freestyle relay, Lucas Fernandez-Geddes, Anderson Vuong, Doren Pierce and Evan Cornoiu placed seventh, adding critical points to the team total, MacDonald said.
“Typically at a championship meet, the goal is to be a little bit selfish and do what you yourself needs to do to get a faster time,” Fernandez-Geddes said. “During this meet, I felt like I had to forget about being “selfish” and really do what was needed for the team.”
The team’s depth across swimming and diving events powered the podium finish. Junior Diver Taylor Isaac led the way, claiming the state title in one-meter diving and earning first place with an impressive, consistent performance, MacDonald said.
“Winning the state title in diving was very surreal for me,” Issac said. “Going into finals, I felt really nervous but stayed confident. When the meet finished, I was so happy, and I felt so many different emotions. I couldn’t believe that I had really just won the state title.”
This meet marked MacDonald’s final season as head coach. Ending his career with a third-place state finish was meaningful, but not just because of the medal count, MacDonald said.
“The boys worked hard and deserved it, and I was happy to help guide them along the way,” MacDonald said. “Regardless of the finish this was one of the happiest seasons in my coaching career and that is due to a wonderful group of Titan swimmers.”
