Two years ago, Saint Patrick’s junior swimmer James Ridgeway came into the high school swim world ahead of the rest. As a freshman, he dashed onto the scene winning the powerful Catholic League Conference title and a 5th place finish at state in the 100-yard breaststroke. The following year wouldn’t be so kind. A mid-season knee injury followed up by a shoulder injury ruined his first attempt at a state crown. “It was upsetting to see everyone swimming so well and myself sitting on the bench,” said Ridgeway. Recovery would be grueling and long but he never deterred from his goal, to win the state title. After three months off he jumped back into the water full time and was now ready to continue his dream.

Last summer Ridgeway took out his frustrations from last year during the club season. Swimming under Lake Forest Swim Club, Ridgeway took the first step by making the U.S. Open qualifying time of 1:06.79 by posting a 1:06.66 in the 100 meter breaststroke, while placing third overall at the USA Swimming Speedo Championships Series hosted by the University of Minnesota. “I was really excited about making the cut. It really inspired me to think bigger. All I think about now is two things, the state title and :55.56 (the state record).”

Ridgeway will pace a young Shamrock team. By being high point getter on the team he will have to rely on the rest of the Shamrocks if they want to be force in the state as a team. “Everyone in the state seems to have written him off as a competitor. No one thinks that he can be the same after the injuries and the time off. I think many will be surprised at the end of the season,” stated coach Marty Gibson.

Senior captain, Joe Przekota and Michael Wright will take the reigns and lead the team into another competitive season. Przekota will look to be competitive in the 100-yard backstroke and 100 butterfly. Junior Pat Szyska will be a major surprise come conference and sectional meets as he continues to develop and improve his times. Junior Jeff Winter had a breakout year last year in the 500- yard freestyle, dropping major time at the conference and sectional meet. Winter will look for more this season.

Newcomers to the team that will have immediate impact are freshman Dan Kalupski and Jeremy Trinchere. Kalupski comes from the Northbrook Spartan Swim Club as a hidden butterflier and 200-yard freestylist. With the lost of two-time state finalist Bob Sershon (Johns Hopkins Univ.), Kalupski will attempt to step in and fill those shows. Trinchere arrives from the Irving Park YMCA swim team. As a backstroker and individual medley swimmer, Trinchere is an important asset to the future of the Shamrock program. “We are a young team, who looks to show improvement as the season goes on and finish strong at conference and sectionals,” said Gibson.