On to state: Swim’s best effort keeps state dream going; Gronewold, Hood gain event titles

HUNTLEY – Huntley High School senior shot put thrower Hayden Swim realized a dream securing a spot at the IHSA State Class 3A State Track-and-Field Meet.

Swim joined event champions Evan Gronewold in the 400-meter run and McHale Hood for the high jump as well as second-placer Tommy Nitz in the 1,600-meter run as state qualifiers who will compete at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston May 27-28.

Swim’s 16.94m throw which was a personal record, earned him the second qualifying spot He was one of five to move on. Swim started the five state qualifiers group on their way.

“I scratched on a throw in prelims and had to use a power throw to make the finals,” Swim said. “I was a little nervous coming in. I like the warmer weather we had been having but because of a shoulder issue, was concerned when it got colder.”

Swim was pleased his runner-up effort qualified for state, which he just missed out on last season. “I threw a state qualifying throw but I scratched at sectional,” he said.

Swim will miss his days at Huntley’s Red Raider Stadium which concluded Wednesday. He will attend Colorado School of Mines and continue his track career.

“I will miss the interactions with the team members,” he said.

“Swim continues to improve as the season rolls along,” HHS head coach Chris Maxedon said. “His most recent best throw also earned him more scholarship money at Colorado School of Mines for next year. That is very exciting for any scholarship athlete. I am hopeful that he can improve to be the No. 2 thrower in HHS history.”

Maxedon commented on the achievements of the four athletes.

“We are excited to see what the four young men who qualified to compete at the state meet are able to do,” the coach said. “All of them have the ability to medal if things go right. We hope to get their best performances of the year this weekend.”

Gronewold finished second at the state meet last season in the  400-meters. “I think the rest of the week will be to build up for the finals,” he said. “At state you just go-go-go.” Gronewold will compete in track-and-field at Grand Valley State University.

Hood is new to high jump and continues to work hard on technique and finished with a 6-foot, 3-inch (1.90 m) best. “I feel I could have gotten to 6-foot, 5-inches,” he said, but was happy with the trip to Charleston.

A freshman, who made state in cross-country,  was thrilled to earn his bid to state as Nitz emerged from the lead pack and finished the 3,200 meter run with a time of 9:36.45. “I wanted to make my move when I was ready and trust in my abilities. I’m so happy,” Nitz said.

HHS was second in sectional meet team points with 72 to Hampshire’s 74.