SCST Swimmer THOMAS McMILLAN Makes Swimming World Magazine

In Swimming World's section Special Set's SCST Senior Swimmer THOMAS McMILLAN is recognized by writer Michael J. Stott.

It's been a lights-out four months for St. Charles (IL) Swim Team member Thomas McMillan. As a freshman at St. Charles North High School, he finished seventh in the 100 yard back (49.46) for his 12th-place North Stars squad at February's IHSA state championships.

But it gets better.

Three weeks later at the Illinois Age Group Championships, he recorded four firsts in the 100 and 200 back (49.34, 1:48.73), 100 fly (49.13, a state record) and 200 fly (1:51.66) plus a second in the 50 free (21.92).

And better.

Three weeks later, spurred on by impressive underwaters, he won six events and set three Illinois 13-14 age group records 13-14 age group records at the NCSA Age Group Championships in Orlando. For the week, he posted times of 22.73, 49.28 and 1:50.17 (state record) in the 50, 100 and 200 butterfly. His 50 and 100 back times of 22.91 and 48.95 were state records as well, and his 1:47.49 200 back time pushed him over the 1,000 power point ledge to give him a second Winter Juniors cut.

McMillan's coach at St. Charles is Tim Lewarchick. He has been ably assisted by Joe Myhre and Jon Cable.

"Thomas is a well-rounded athlete who brings positive energy to our team and who values his teammates, coaches and competition," says Lewarchick. "He consistently finds ways to improve his swimming through new technique and hard work. Thomas learns from his failures and does not chase times, but rather explores new and different ways to swim his races."

Last July at the Illinois long course age group champs, McMillan won his 100 and 200 meter backstroke and butterfly races, going 59.34 and 2:09.65 in the dorsal events and 58.69 and 2:12.86 in the fly. "This year he is eager to start racing long course," says Lewarchick.

"Thomas has goals of setting team, Illinois state and national age group records as well as qualifying for Olympic Trials." Currently, he holds 24 St. Charles Swim Team records (14 SCY, 10 LC) through four age groups. He is also part of an Illinois state mark in the 400 yard medley relay (3:30.32) with teammates Josh Lach, Colin Beu and Brady Jordan.

"Thomas would love to continue his swimming career in college," says his coach. "For him, the sky is the limit. We are excited to see where he can go."

Check out the ARTICLE for some of Thomas' training sets.

Congratulations THOMAS!