The swim season has started off strong for Elk Grove with a record of 2-0 with wins over Hoffman Estates and Rolling Meadows.
One big reason for this success is the arrival of this year’s freshman class and a few other swimming newcomers. Two freshmen have already contributed on the varsity level while others are also getting some experience at the underclassmen levels.
“I think this is a great group of swimmers and they can go a long way helping Elk Grove win swim meets,” swimmer Kade Rittle said.
Rittle has been swimming for three years. He swam for the Elk Grove Stingrays and now for Elk Grove High School. He started swimming because he “thought the sport looked cool and I wanted to try it out.” He credits his success so far to the coaches at Elk Grove
“They pushed me more than my other coaches have pushed me before, helping me with my form and my endurance,” Rittle said.
As one of the best freshman swimmers, Rittle said he thinks he and other experienced freshmen play an important role in the development of their class.
“From the new swimmers there is a lot of potential, and the more experienced swimmers can help guide them to success,” he said.
One of those new swimmers is freshman Aryan Patel. He has been swimming since he was seven, but this is his first year swimming competitively.
“I’ve always wanted to be on a swim team, and I feel Elk Grove gave me a good opportunity,” Patel said.
Patel, along with other freshmen, have seen vast improvements in mechanics and endurance, which Patel credits to his coaches
“I’m with coach Toler, and he is absolutely amazing, one of the best coaches I’ve worked with,” Patel said. “He’s helped me so much with my form and helping me to become a better swimmer.”
As the swim season progresses, the EGHS experienced swimmers are taking it all as a sign that the program is moving in the right direction.
“It’s terrific,” Patel said. “They push you a good amount. They want you to be your best.”
