From Feb. 28 through March 1, freshman Evan Kalweit and senior Emanuel Anguelov competed in the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Boys Swimming State Competition, both bringing home medals. 

Anguelov placed 13th in the 50-yard freestyle, closing out his high school swimming career with a strong performance at the state level. He started swimming at age 7, and over the years, his dedication and persistence have shaped him into a competitive athlete. 

Reflecting on his journey, Anguelov emphasized the importance of mental focus in competition. “Trust your training, and you’ll swim fast. Once you start to overthink, then you will get over your head,” he said.

Kalweit placed seventh in the 50-yard freestyle and fifth in the 100-yard breaststroke. Though he has cerebral palsy, which affects his ability to use his legs and parts of his upper body, he has not let it hold him back.

Before joining the team, he spent four years playing wheelchair basketball. “Getting into the water every day at practice and pushing [my]self” has been one of his biggest challenges, he said. Despite this, he advanced to the state level in his first year of competitive swimming. “I never thought in a million years that I would do it as a freshman my first year of swimming,” Kalweit said.

Kalweit and Anguelov’s accomplishments reflect the hard work and determination of RMHS athletes. Their success is a testament to perseverance, proving that with dedication, anything is possible.