Ross Vimr/ Class of 2004/ Champaign Central

Ross Vimr recently finished his high school swimming career. He led the Champaign Central Maroons team to a Top 10 finish at the IHSA State Meet, was All-State 4 years in high school, and has qualified for the YMCA National Meet each of the past 4 years. Ross excels in academics-- a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society and has been named an Illinois State Scholar. In addition, Ross has been swimming with the Aquachiefs since age 8 and began swimming with the Windsor Swim Club.

1) The high school season must have been exciting. You continued your own success and helped lead the younger Central talent including your brother, Jon. Was it your best year in high school swimming?
Yes, even though I didn't swim life time best times at the IHSA State meet it was the best I had swum at that meet and I placed in the 500. One of the relays I swam on also placed in the top 12 so it was a good meet for the team.

2) What will you do next? Will you swim in college? What schools interest you? A large school or small school? Something close to home or will you travel? What are your plans for a major?
I will be going to Washington University in the fall. I will major in Biochemistry or Bio-Engineering. I will definitely swim.

3) When did you first start thinking about college swimming? What did you do to learn more about the various programs and coaches? Did you attend summer swim camps? How will you select your college?
I decided my freshman year of High School I wanted to swim in college. I did not attend summer camps. Coaches would contact me and I would check into the school and team. If I was interested I would send back their questionnaire. I also researched a couple of schools and their teams. Then I e-mailed the coach an introductory letter and my best times.

4) What's your best swimming story?
I guess my best swimming story is from Age Group State Championships when I was 12. I raced against a friend who shard my birthday all weekend. We had an epic battle in the 100 Free.

5) What keeps you in the pool after 10 years? What are your aspirations?
I like swimming now more than ever, it gets better every year! It helps me to stay focused. I hope to qualify for NCAAs.

Something you might not know about Ross: Ross really likes to play Texas Hold'em (a poker game).