Rochelle junior Aubrey Headon was so excited after winning her first event at the IHSA Girls Swimming & Diving that she had a hard time catching her breath.
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WINNETKA — Rochelle junior Aubrey Headon was so excited after winning her first event at the IHSA Girls Swimming & Diving that she had a hard time catching her breath.
Headon was one of two Lady Hubs competing the state meet this past Friday and Saturday. Representing Rochelle Township High School, Headon participated in four events and finished first in the AWD (Athletes With Disabilities) Class A 200-Yard Freestyle (4:44.65), the Class A 50-Yard Freestyle (1:02.21) and the Class A 100-Yard Freestyle (2:18.24). Headon placed second in the Class A 100-Yard Breaststroke (3:27.49).
“I was so excited when I won the first event that I couldn’t breathe,” Headon said. “I don’t even remember how I felt after that. The state meet is like no other sporting event. The energy is unreal and the building feels like it’s rocking.”
Under the tutelage of Rochelle Rays swim instructor Marianne Swanson, Headon and Lady Hub freshman Allison Cole, who also competed at the state meet this past weekend, have worked tirelessly in order to improve their swim techniques and prepare for the high school season. Both Headon and Cole are eligible to compete for RTHS again next year.
“It was so neat how all the business in town were so supportive by putting up signs for us on their marquees,” Headon said. “I hope to repeat next year and I need to keep working on my kicking and my breathing… [Marianne Swanson] keeps Alli and I doing things the right way.
Cole raced in two events at the state meet including the AWD Class B 50-Yard Freestyle (1:29.24) and the Class B 100-Yard Freestyle (2:38.49). The freshman, who had many people to thank including Cass Headon, Jeremy Stine, Marianne Swanson and Chuck Cole, placed ninth in the 50-yard competition and 10th in the 100-yard event.
“I’m proud and happy to have been there,” Cole said. “My favorite moments were competing, swimming and being with all the other swimmers. I’m strong and I’m not a quitter… I will work hard to beat those other faster swimmers. I have three more years to work hard and practice a lot.”
