SOUTHWORDS
October 1984
Swimmers to meet Maine East
Tonight the girls' swim team will take on the Maine East Demons at Maine East at 4:30.
Maine East does not appear to be a strong team this year and Coach Dawn Butler is optimistic about the meet.
"We will win easily," said Miss Butler.
Tomorrow afternoon Maine South will be hosting the annual Maine South Invitational. The meet will start at 1:30 PM in the Maine South pool
In this meet there will be 12 teams competing in what looks to be a very close, competitive contest. "There will be 12 good teams competing on Saturday," said Coach Butler.
Miss Butler realizes the strength of their upcoming opponents. "We will be shooting for one of the top three places; we want to win a trophy."
This year the team has done very well and has won all their meets except for a tough loss to defending state champion New Trier. New Trier is such a strong team that they were able to beat the Hawks by sheer numbers.
The Hawks are strong in all events, but are not very deep. "We can put up our top two swimmers, but after that we aren't very deep. New Trier could put up four or five excellent swimmers in each event," commented Miss Butler.
Despite the one loss, Miss Butler expects a top finish in the conference. "We've had one conference loss but we could win the rest; it will be hard, though," she stated.
Recently four members of the girls' swim team received a very special honor. Melissa, Kathy, Erin, and Courtney have been elected to the All-American team.
These four girls have been voted as the best swimmers in the entire country. "It was very difficult because these girls were competing against women who went to the Olympics in Los Angeles. Most All-Americans are from the elite swim clubs of Southern California. It is unusual for anyone from Illinois to make it. It is a big, big honor," said Miss Butler.
Miss Butler believes that one of these girls has some very special physical and emotional talent. Courtney Madsen has been the top swimmer on this year's team as well as last year's. "We hope for her to be the State Champ in the 50 freestyle," said Coach Butler. "If anyone can do it, she can; she's the most dedicated swimmer I've ever had."