The boys swim team took second place at the Intercity Meet on Jan. 28, finishing 42 points behind the Normal West Wildcats. The junior duo of Sam Grojean and Wade Pyle led Community, combining for three first-place individual finishes and propelling the team to a pair of runner-up relay performances.

Grojean captured the 100-yard breaststroke title, swimming a season-best 1:01.59, while Pyle won both the 100- and 200-yard freestyle races, clocking in at 48.15 and 1:49.54, respectively.

Both returning IHSA State qualifiers, Grojean and Pyle look poised for another deep postseason run.

Ironmen head coach Mrs. Heather Budak emphasized the importance of experience on the state stage, describing the atmosphere as one that can be intimidating. The IHSA Swimming & Diving State Finals is a single-class competition, pitting swimmers from all schools—regardless of enrollment—against each other.

But the veteran head coach isn’t concerned about the Iron’s ability to perform.

“Wade competes well on a big stage,” Budak said. “He likes the pressure.”

Pyle heads into the postseason after breaking two school records at State last season, where he placed 13th in the 200-free and 15th in the 100-.

Grojean, who swam in last year’s State-qualifying 200-yard medley relay, looks to make waves as an individual this season as Community lacks the relay strength of past seasons.

While Grojean and Pyle lead the way, Budak is looking to the team’s underclassmen to help solidify the team’s depth.

“I’m really counting on our sophomores this year,” Budak said. “They’ve already posted best times, and they’re pushing each other every day.”

At Intercity, a standout in that sophomore class was Ethan Arndt, who finished second in the 500-yard freestyle, posting a time of 5:03.02.

Freshman Nolan Pyle, following in his older brother’s footsteps, has emerged as a key contributor this season, taking second in the 200-yard individual medley with a season-best 2:07.69 and finishing second in 100-yard butterfly.

Pyle has been a consistent performer as the Iron have gone 10-1 in duals this season, with one regular-season meet remaining. Their only loss came against Washington, last year’s Sectional champion.

As the postseason approaches, Budak and her team are shifting focus to tapering—a strategy to peak at Sectionals and secure State berths.

“We know what we’ve been doing in practice works,” Budak said.

Community is back in action on Feb. 8 when they travel to Peoria Richwoods to compete in the Big 12 Conference Meet.