State swimmers will show newcomers the ropes

Girls swimming coach Dennis Stonequist has built a proud tradition at Loyola Academy, one that goes back more than a decade, shortly after girls first were admitted to the Wilmette campus.

And it's been that tradition and pride that has propelled the Ramblers as strong contenders year after year, not only in the GCAC, but also in the postseason.

"We teach them the Loyola way," said Stonequist, who begins his 11th season as head coach. "It's Loyola first, swimming second. It's up to the seniors to teach the younger girls what the program is all about what it stands for."

This season Loyola will have one of its youngest teams in recent memory. So Stonequist is returning to basics, schooling them about the school's proud history and its importance.

That legacy includes three GCAC titles and four top-10 finishes at State, including third place in 2005 and fifth place last season.

"We will be successful if the seniors can teach them how our team operates and if the upperclassmen and new kids can mesh together," he said.

The Ramblers lost 10 athletes off last year's squad to graduation, including Betsy Webb, Liz Clarke, Lisi Rowland and Kelsey Stranc.

Webb won the state championship in the 100-yard freestyle and placed second in the 50 freestyle. Clarke and Stranc were members of the 200 freestyle relay team that took State, and Rowland captured the title in diving.

Youth comes into play because three of Stonequist's top four swimmers are sophomores. Madeleine Klichowski, a member of the state-qualifying medley relay, will swim the backstroke along with Ellie Ansani, who won the state title with the 200 free relay. Ansani will also compete in the freestyle. Rachel Neiman, the third sophomore, swims the breaststroke.

Junior Cally Stauder specializes in distance freestyle.

Stonequist has appointed seniors Melissa Goosmann, Lindy Navarre and Kathleen Servatius as captains of the 2008 squad.

Some newcomers who could play key roles are Kate Ansani (freestyle, breaststroke), Michelle Garland (breaststroke), Courtney Jacobs (diving), Emily Levison (butterfly) and Mallory Remick (freestyle).

Loyola began the '08 season with a 109-77 loss to Evanston Sept. 4. Sophomore Michelle Miller won diving with a score of 171.80, while Remick claimed the 100 free in 56.14.

The Ramblers travel to Stevenson for a meet at 9 a.m. Saturday, then visit Mother McAuley at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Coach: Dennis Stonequist (10th season)

Last year's accomplishments: Sent several individuals to State

Major losses to graduation: Betsy Webb, Liz Clarke, Lisi Rowland, Kelsey Stranc.

Swimmers to watch: Sophomores Maddy Klichowski, Ellie Ansani, Rachel Neiman.

Big meets: Glenbrook South (Oct. 18), GCAC Meet (Nov. 2).

Season will be a success if ...: The seniors can teach the youngersters what the Loyola program is all about, teach them the "Loyola way."