Girls Swimming

AURORA – St. Charles North swimmers dominated the Upstate Eight Conference Meet Saturday at Metea Valley, finishing with first place in five of the 11 events en route to the North Stars' second straight conference title and new pool records in four races.

When Kirsten Hutchinson used to compete at Illinois-Chicago for her club team, she had a feeling she’d be going to school and competing for the Flames one day.

Usually taking stock of the top competition is no way to relieve stress at a high-stakes swimming race.

FIRST TEAM Rachel Burke, Rosary, Sr.

WINNETKA – Rosary senior Sarah Sykstus could navigate the winding halls of New Trier High School without the famous “yellow brick road” that appears this time every other November.

ST. CHARLES – Two of the St. Charles North’s girls swimming team’s premier threats at this weekend’s IHSA Girls Swimming and Diving State Meet are at opposite ends of the experience spectrum.

Like many college freshmen, Kayla Scott just needed a little time to get adjusted after moving away from home for the first time.

ST CHARLES – It’s fitting that Saturday's St. Charles East Girls Swimming Sectional came down to the final race between the host Saints and St. Charles North.

AURORA – Senior, senior, senior, senior, senior, freshman.

ST. CHARLES – Behind the strength of top-five team relay finishes and great individual efforts, the St. Charles East and St. Charles North girls swimming teams placed second and third respectively Saturday at the Upstate Eight Conference girls swimming and diving championship invitational.

St. Charles East junior girls swimmer Mary Snyder qualified for three state meet relays for the Saints last season. With the 2011 state series fast approaching, she’s eager to top that output and aim for even more. Snyder has been an emerging competitor in the St. Charles club and high school scene since moving with her family from Pennsylvania before sixth grade. Catching up with Kane County Chronicle sports reporter Kevin Druley for this week’s edition of the Weekend Chit-chat, she explored her past and outlook for the next month. The following is an edited transcript:

DEKALB – The Marmion boys soccer team started its postseason Tuesday with a 3-1 win against Sycamore in an IHSA Class 2A DeKalb Regional semifinal.

AURORA – A stretch of three matches in as many nights had noticeably slowed the Batavia boys soccer team Thursday.

MAPLE PARK – The Kaneland boys soccer team can’t seem to beat DeKalb.

ST. CHARLES – Meagan Popp’s vast potential is coming to the surface.