
GLEN CARBON - Father McGivney Catholic had an outstanding showing in the Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, IHSA Girls Sectional Meet at Edwardsville, placing ninth out of 23 teams, and head coach Tara Thompson couldn't have been more pleased with the Griffins' showing.
"Yes, I am very happy with the girls' performance," Thompson said. "We've swam both our relays faster than we've done in the past, all of our girls are performing well, and we couldn't be happier."
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The Father McGivney swim girls are Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb Female Athletes of the Month.
Thompson felt her entire team swam well in the meet. Elise Thompson was singled out for her leadership and dedication as a senior for the squad throughout the season.
"I think all of our girls are doing well," Coach Thompson said. "A shout out to Claire Berger for getting fifth in the 200 (freestyle)."

It's always the big goal to advance a swimmer to the state meet for McGivney, but Thompson is more worried about making a good effort in each of the races.
"You know that's always the goal," Thompson said, "but as long as we come out happy, and we've performed our best, then we've done everything we could, and we left it in the pool."
It was an overall good season for the Griffins, with marked improvement in times as the year progressed.
"I think we've had some really good swims," Thompson said. "We're dropping time in the races, which is what we want."
Thompson is always hoping to help grow the program and also achieve success for her swimmers and her team.
"I always hope for the growth of the swim team," Thompson said, "and success for McGivney and the Griffins."
Thompson believes things are working out well for the team and is also optimistic about its future.
Top McGivney performances on Saturday:
• 200 Medley Relay – 7th (Pamatot, Thompson, Berger, Brewster)
• 200 Free – 5th (Berger)
• 100 Breast – 7th (Thompson)
• 100 Fly – 8th (Berger)
• 200 Free Relay – 8th (Berger, Kohl, Pamatot, Thompson)