Senior Joe Cassano is one of the captains on the boys varsity swim and dive team. Last season, Cassano was one of the few athletes who qualified for the IHSA state championship. He competed in the 200-meter free relay. This year, he hopes to continue his previous success and mentor his teammates.

Q: Why did you start swimming?

A: “Well, I started swimming because my dad just kind of threw me in a pool, and I’ve been swimming ever since. So really that is how it started.”

Q: What would you say the best thing about swimming is?

A: “There are not a whole lot of bests to be honest, but the swimming at the end, like time drops and all of that stuff, all of those great swims. Like that 30 seconds that you’ve been working for, that really makes it all pay off.”

Q: What is the worst part about swimming?

A: “Everything else. So practice, the fact that you’re in the water, practice, chlorine: basically all of that.”

Q: What do you think the biggest contribution that you make to your team is?

A: “That’s hard to say, but as a captain, I like to focus not as much on my swimming times although they are what they are. I like to focus on encouraging other people to do their best and being able to contribute to the team.

Q: How do you think the team is looking this year?

A: “We are definitely in a good spot right now. Things have been looking up, kids have been dropping a lot of times and I think a lot of that comes from really hard practices. All of that is going to end up paying off in the end.”

Q: Do you plan to continue swimming in college?

A: “I’m not sure right now. It depends on where I go. But, I think I am going to end up swimming at least club. We will see how state goes this year and go from there.”