Kit swimmers aim to get back to state behind strong seniors
Last season, the Evanston boys swimming and diving team came from behind to defeat long odds, sending 4 individuals and 2 relay teams to state. New record performances and impressive team finishes were a true testament to the team’s success, and with the winter season approaching, the Kits are eager to punch a ticket to state once again.
“Last year was tough because the year prior—when I was a sophomore—we graduated some really great seniors. Two of our athletes went to compete at [the] Division I [level], but I think we surprised ourselves last season,” senior co-captain Evan Lindner said. “A lot of the [current] seniors stepped up to compete at a higher level, and we ended up being a lot more successful than we expected.”
The 2023 state competition featured a powerhouse quartet of Evanston swimmers in the 400 freestyle relay. Evan Lindner, Max Taufen, Cadel Saszik and Henry Chapon came in 14th in the preliminary round, dropping 0.64 seconds from entry time, falling just four places short of finals. Lucas Macy, who competed in the 500 freestyle, is the program’s fifth returning state qualifier.
As the team gears up for the season, head coach Kevin Auger will turn to senior co-captains Lindner, Taufen, Saszik, Chapon and Macy to serve as an arm of the coaching staff, modeling mental toughness and accountability.
“In terms of [building team culture], a lot of that [responsibility] will be on the shoulders of the captains,” Auger said. “We have a ‘captains lead the kids up the hill’ mentality here. The captains will set the standard.”
While the team graduated a number of seasoned veterans and top contributors, this fixture is one the program is not unaccustomed to. This season will usher in a new class of swimmers and divers looking to make a considerable impact on the team, and with a fusion of talented returners and key newcomers, the Kits are hopeful that they will be prepared for the demanding schedule that lies ahead.
“We have strong swimmers in every age group,” Taufen shared.
For Lindner, the program’s rituals will be especially valuable this winter as he looks to foster a shared purpose and boost team morale.
“I think that [the start of the season] is always tough because there’s new freshmen and it’s challenging to get them excited about swimming the same way we are. But it always works out,” Lindner shared. “We have the same traditions that we always bring back every year and those community building [efforts] have been essential.”
When last season came to a close, numerous Evanston swimmers returned to their prospective club programs, where they focused on the simultaneous development of technical ability, strength and conditioning to enhance their overall performance in the water. The senior athletes are eager to come together one last time to compete in Orange and Blue, where they hope to round out their skills and go out on top.
“Max, Cadel and Lucas are all going to swim in college and they’re really looking to extend their careers far,” Lindner concluded. “I expect that they will see some significant growth this year.”
The Wildkits will launch their season on Dec. 1 against Loyola at Burton Aquatic Center.
