Official race starter Jeff McCaskey, from Marion, gave the signal to begin the swim event. –Photo by Dan Gerber.
Hundreds were on hand to cheer swimmers at the Illinois Open Water State Championships held at Lake Manteno on August 6. –Photo by Dan Gerber.

Despite some overcast skies on Tuesday, August 6, there was a great deal of festive activity at Manteno Sportsmen’s Club, with Illinois Swimming, Inc., hosting the Illinois Swimming Open Water State Championships, for the third year in a row, at Lake Manteno. Hundreds of spectators were present and ready to enjoy the 209 athletes who had qualified for the races.

The event began with a 5K loop around the lake for those ages 15 and older, with each swimmer completing four 1.25K laps. After the 5K was completed, the course was modified to a triangular-shaped 1K course, with the 13- to 14-year-olds swimming a 3K, 11- and 12-year-olds – a 2K, and those 10 and under a 1K.

Women’s Open 5K Open Water Winners include: First place Abby Hill, second – Sasha Jacekova, third – MG King, fourth – Ellie Wolford (unavailable for pic.), fifth – Casey Adcock, sixth – Mia Horwath, seventh – Ingrid Coonrad, and eighth – Lucy Bolling. – Photo by Dan Gerber.
Men’s Open 5K Open Water Winners include: First place Rylan Anselm (unavailable for pic.), second – Luke Bucaro, third – Parker Chan, fourth – Charlie Edwards, fifth – Charlie Wallin, sixth – Luke Keller, seventh – Danny Mangan, and eighth – Luke Conley. –Photo by Dan Gerber.

This year’s event began with beautiful weather for the 5K, but winds soon picked-up significantly, making subsequent races far more difficult in the very choppy waters.

According to Brian Porter, an assistant coach for Greater Illinois Swimming, out of Tinley Park and Bradley, four of their team members participated, including: John DeSalvo – who placed 12th and Brandon Pedretti, who came in 16th in the men’s 11- to 12-year-old division 2K. Jamison Lewis placed eighth, and Emma Escalona took ninth, in the women’s 11- to 12-year-old open water 2K.

Here’s looking forward to 2025 and some smoother water!