WHY SHE WAS SELECTED:

Glenbard West sophomore Kate Morris won the state swimming championship in the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1:49.68, beating Barrington senior Bridget O'Leary by .44.

Morris, seventh in the 200 and third in the 100 as a freshman, won the second state title in program history.

Morris talked to Suburban Life sports editor Joshua Welge about her championship, and all things swimming.

Here is an edited version of the transcript:

Welge: What did winning the title mean?

Morris: It was awesome. Last year I got third, which was awesome too. Winning state was one of my goals coming out of last year, so to do it was a great honor and really exciting.

Welge: I read about your strategy, to stay in the pack and then go for it the third 50 meters. Is that nerve wracking?

Morris: It's always a bit scary, knowing you're not in the lead, knowing that it could end up not in your favor. But I trust myself and my training.

Welge: Do you peek at other swimmers during a race?

Morris: Good question. I like to focus on myself but it's human nature to look over, especially in the freestyle when you can breathe to the side. But I like to focus on myself. I am the only thing I can control.

Welge: What do you like about the 200 free?

Morris: I like that it's a sprint, but also very controlled. If you're on, you're on. If you're not, it kind of sucks. It's a mentally challenging event and in my opinion the hardest race in swimming. That's what makes it great.