Jack Clifford, High School of St. Thomas More

When did you start swimming? How did you get started swimming? What teams have you swum with?

I started swimming when I was 9 for Rantoul�s Recreational Swim Team. I became involved with Aquachiefs when I was a freshmen. My interest in swimming began because my mom said that I was like a little fish and I loved to be in the water.

Are you excited about your final year of swimming in high school (St. Thomas More) and for the Aquachiefs? What are your swimming goals for the year?

Although I am excited, I know that I will miss all my teammates immensely because I have grown so accustomed to seeing their smiling faces everyday. My goals for this year are to improve my times, speed, strength, and endurance which I believe it achieved. Also I wanted to compete at High School State and at Y-National but I missed the cuts.

Word on the street says that you are headed to Monmouth College and that you plans to swim? Is this correct? What do you plan to major in?

Yes, the word on the street is correct. I intend to attend Monmouth College (near Galesburg) and will major in the art and swim. Although I am not sure which branch of art to actually major in because I am interested in all mediums of art. It varies depending on my current project. For example, when I paint a mural I feel that I should be a muralist, or when I create a ceramic sculpture, I want to become a cake designer. Lately, since I have been working on the massive set for our school�s musical, "Beauty and the Beast", I want to become a set designer or maybe even a theater major. I change my mind constantly.

What have you learned from swimming?

I have learned probably the same lessons that most swimmers learn. Time management, goal setting, working hard, and for me personal I have also have been inspired by swimming and it is seen through my artwork.

What is your favorite event? Least favorite event?

My favorite event is the 100 Breaststroke and the 500 Freestyle now that Coach Abby and I have figured out a way for me to not throw up during the race (like at Sectionals). I do not have a least favorite stroke because I enjoy all of them, so I would think that it maybe the 200 Fly just because I have never swam that event before.

What�s your favorite movie? Favorite food? Favorite place?

My favorite movies are Dodgeball, Wedding Crasher, and Zoolander. My favorite food is ice cream (especially from Mrs. Henry). My favorite place would have to be Rantoul�s pool just because I am there all the time.

What 3 people would you invite to dinner?

I do not know whom I would invite to dinner but I know that one would be my Grandpa because he died before I was born and I would have liked to meet him.

What is something about yourself that people might find surprising or interesting?

When I sing, my friends say that my nostrils flare when I project and when I hit a high B flat.