Sam Nauman to Lead La Salle-Peru Swim Team in Sectional Bid

La Salle-Peru High School’s swim team is gearing up for a competitive season under the leadership of junior Sam Nauman, who is poised to break multiple team records. With two state qualifications to her name and three individual team records, Nauman has made a significant mark in her first two years. This season, her goal is to surpass every existing record while leading her team towards a stronger performance at the state level.

Coach Rob McNally has high hopes for Nauman, citing her exceptional attitude and coachability. “She stands a pretty good chance [to break records], although she’s going to have to beat some pretty good swimmers, including Peyton Heagy, who is still continuing her swimming career at Indiana State University,” McNally stated. Nauman’s accomplishments include winning the 100-yard backstroke and the 200 individual medley at the Normal West Sectional last season, which secured her spot at the state championship.

Strong Junior Class Leads the Charge

Nauman is not alone in her pursuit of excellence; she is part of a talented junior class that includes Serena’s Finley Jobst and La Salle-Peru’s Anna and Clara Weitl. McNally described Jobst as “a very versatile athlete” who nearly qualified for state in the 100 butterfly last season. “I’m hoping she steps up and does it,” he remarked.

The Weitl sisters also demonstrated their capabilities by securing top finishes in the season-opening Sterling Invitational. McNally expressed enthusiasm about the team’s potential, saying, “I have a whole bunch of talent on this team, and it’s been fun coaching them so far.”

In the 200 medley relay, Nauman will lead off with the backstroke, followed by Jobst in the butterfly, Anna Weitl in the breaststroke, and Emily Lowery in the freestyle. The team finished second in the Sterling Invitational, and while McNally noted that they will need to drop significant time to qualify for state, he remains optimistic about their progress.

New Faces and High Expectations

The addition of freshman Daysynn Kettman is another promising development for the Cavaliers. McNally commented on her potential impact, stating, “She is showing some promise. She should be a pretty good addition to the team this year.”

As La Salle-Peru aims to improve on last season’s third-place finish at the sectional, McNally acknowledged the competitive landscape. “There were some tough teams in that sectional,” he said, referencing Washington, last year’s champion, who has retained much of its talent.

Looking ahead to the season, McNally expressed excitement about his team’s prospects. “I’m looking forward to a great season because I’ve got a great bunch of kids on the team,” he said. With a blend of experienced swimmers and new talent, La Salle-Peru is focused on qualifying for state and maximizing their performance in the upcoming meets. As the season progresses, the team will strive to make their mark and achieve new heights in competitive swimming.