News Summary

Andrew Bellemare, a talented senior swimmer from Niantic Sangamon Valley, has made waves at the Illinois High School Association swimming finals. His journey from Connecticut to Illinois included hard training and impressive performances, including a commendable finish at the state meet. Recognized as The State Journal-Register’s Swimming and Diving All-Area Athlete of the Year, Andrew has left a significant mark on the local swimming community and inspired aspiring athletes.

Andrew Bellemare Shines at State Swimming Finals, Making Waves in Niantic Sangamon Valley

In the charming town of Niantic, an exciting story of determination and talent has emerged from the water. Andrew Bellemare, a senior swimmer from Niantic Sangamon Valley, has made a splash in the Illinois High School Association swimming scene. Relocating from Connecticut to Harristown for his final year of high school, Andrew has turned heads with his impressive swimming skills.

A Journey of Hard Work

Although Sangamon Valley does not have a full swim team, that didn’t stop Andrew from training hard. He dedicated himself to honing his craft at the Decatur YMCA, where he practiced tirelessly to improve his skills. His hard work paid off when he triumphed at the Urbana Sectional, winning both the 200-yard and 500-yard freestyle races, which secured his spot at the much-anticipated state finals.

State Finals Experience

The Illinois state finals took place at the luxurious FMC Natatorium in Westmont, an experience Andrew described as an exhilarating leap up from his previous competitions in Connecticut. The competition was *significantly larger* and *more competitive*, featuring a bigger pool and many seasoned swimmers eager to show their stuff.

Impressive Performances

At the state meet, Andrew’s determination led him to a commendable finish—he claimed 29th place in the 200 freestyle, completing the race in 1 minute, 45.36 seconds, while he came in 31st in the 500 freestyle with a time of 4:55.32. Although he just missed out on advancing to the Saturday competition by finishing outside the top eight, his season performance was nothing short of remarkable. He demonstrated his power in distance swimming, a shift that occurred after his high school coach recognized his potential for longer races.

A Season of Achievements

This season has been filled with achievements for Andrew as he also clinched the 100 freestyle title at the Central State Eight Conference meet, registering his best sectional time at 49.94 in a fifth-place finish. He notably tied with Jackson Suhre in the 200 freestyle at the Edwardsville Sectional to qualify for the state meet, showcasing his competitive spirit and grit.

Celebrating Peers

Andrew’s performance wasn’t only about personal glory; it also highlighted a strong swimming community. Notable swimmers included Borgman, who secured second place in the 50 free at conference and ninth at the Edwardsville Sectional, and Havey, who recorded impressive times in the 100 and 50 free events. Herr triumphed in the 1-meter diving competition at conference while Maeda excelled with a second-place finish in both the 200 IM and the 100 butterfly.

Recognition and Future Prospects

In recognition of his outstanding efforts, Andrew was honored as The State Journal-Register’s Swimming and Diving All-Area Athlete of the Year, which is a testament to his dedication and prowess in the pool. With this being his senior year, Andrew has certainly left an unparalleled mark not just on Niantic, but in the entire swimming community of Illinois.

Looking Ahead

As Andrew prepares to transition from high school to future endeavors, whether it be continuing his swimming journey or exploring new horizons, his remarkable story serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes. This year may have been his last at the high school swimming level, but definitely not the last we’ll be hearing from this rising star. His journey reflects not just the spirit of competition, but the heart and dedication of all those who love the sport.

With seniors like Andrew Bellemare leading the charge, the future of swimming at Niantic Sangamon Valley looks bright. Here’s to more successful races and inspiring stories that will surely ripple through the waters for years to come!

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