Beanie Award

On December 7, 2009, the Hornet Swim Club sustained the tragic loss of our Head Coach - Bryan "Beanie" Bateman. Bryan‘s smile, his easy-going way and his love for swimming and the Hornets will never be forgotten. Bryan swam competitively for over 17 years. He swam for 4 of those years at Hinsdale Central High School. Retired from swimming in 2001, Bryan was an 11 time state champion, 7 time state record holder, and 2 time 20 and Under National Champion with one 20 and Under national record.  

Each year the Hornet Swim Club Coaches award one swimmer with our annual Beanie Award. The swimmer chosen to receive this award exemplifies the qualities that Beanie as well as the coaches that followed looked for in a swimmer: hard work, being a great teammate, dedication to the sport, and a great attitude in the water.


Beanie Award Winners  

Luke Vatev (2025)

Aiden Erickson (2024)

Matt Vatev (2023)  

Andrea Paradis (2022)  

Madeline Padavic (2021)  

Mary Davenport (2019)  

Jessica Phillips (2018)  

Alison Dry (2017)  

Lexie Smith (2016)  

Adam Andrews (2015)  

Anna Gruchala (2014)  

Tommy Gruchala (2013)  

Alex Knutte (2012)  

Brian Portland (2011)


2024 Winner Aiden Erickson/Coach Eric


2022 Winner Andrea Paradis/2023 Winner Matt Vatev/Coach Eric