Sam Nauman Shines at Sterling Invitational, Named Athlete of the Week

Junior swimmer Sam Nauman from Henry-Senachwine has kicked off her season with impressive performances during the Sterling Invitational, contributing significantly to the La Salle-Peru co-op’s success. Nauman was awarded Swimmer of the Meet after winning both the 200-yard individual medley with a time of 2:12.14 and the 100 backstroke in 58.33 seconds. Her efforts helped the team secure the title at the event, marking a strong start to the season.

In addition to her individual victories, Nauman collaborated with teammates Anna Weitl, Lily Miller, and Finley Jobst to clinch the 200 freestyle relay with a time of 1:48.59. The team also saw a commendable second-place finish in the 200 medley relay, clocking in at 1:59.4. Coach Rob McNally noted, “Since it was our first meet of the season, Sam was a little nervous. Once she got that 200 individual medley win, we both knew that it was going to be a good day for her. She is really close to swimming state qualifying times already. That is a testament to her work ethic.”

Nauman’s outstanding performance earned her the title of NewsTribune Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Sullivan’s and Grasser’s Plumbing & Heating.

Insights and Aspirations

During an interview with NewsTribune sports editor Kevin Chlum, Nauman shared her pre-meet rituals, expressing that she is “a creature of habit.” She typically enjoys a meal of pasta, specifically rotini noodles with red meat sauce, accompanied by a protein shake the night before a meet. Nauman also emphasized the importance of mental preparation, stating, “Before every race behind the blocks, I swing my arms and legs around to get my shoulders and hips moving. Then I slap my muscles to bring the blood flow to them before getting on the block.”

Reflecting on her favorite competitive venue, Nauman mentioned the FMC Westmont pool, which hosts the IHSA state finals. “While the pool and the facilities are beautiful, I think it’s the energy that the people bring that makes it my favorite,” she said. The atmosphere there is charged with enthusiasm, making it a memorable experience for her.

When asked about her goals for the season, Nauman expressed her ambition to surpass last year’s achievements and set new team records. She aims to qualify for the state finals and has already made strides towards this, having unofficially set a new record in the 200 freestyle with a time of 1:57.30 at a home meet against Morris. “I am waiting to swim it at a meet with touchpads to make it official,” she noted.

Nauman is also passionate about giving back to the community. She has initiated a fundraising event titled “Splashing for Leukemia” in memory of her grandmother, with a target of raising $2,000 during the La Salle-Peru co-op meet on September 24 at the Illinois Valley YMCA. This event aims to support various sports at her school, filling a significant gap for the swim team.

Personal Interests and Future Plans

Outside of swimming, Nauman eagerly anticipates the fall season, particularly enjoying pumpkin-flavored foods. She delights in baking pumpkin cookies and sharing pumpkin coffee with friends. Academically, her favorite subjects are math and science, inspired by her parents’ careers in STEM fields. She hopes to pursue studies in biomedical engineering or chemical engineering at university.

Nauman’s literary choice reflects her appreciation for classic literature, as she cites “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee as her favorite book, having read it multiple times. In her limited free time, she enjoys relaxing in her pool, often floating with a book, and cherishes moments spent with friends, especially post-practice coffee runs.

Notably, Nauman possesses a hidden talent for walking on stilts, a skill she developed with her father.

Reflecting on her performance at the Sterling Invitational, she remarked, “The meet overall was amazing for the team. The La Salle Peru co-op has not taken home the high point team award ever. Walking into this year, I feel stronger than I have before. I have added some weight training, and I am excited to see how it affects my pool performances.”

With a promising season ahead, Nauman’s dedication and achievements highlight her potential as she continues to excel both in the pool and beyond.