Robbie Rosenbaum, goggles on and ready to race, stood on the block feeling nervous; expectations were high and he needed to meet them. “Take your mark … Go!” The starter shouts, beginning the race. Rosenbaum dives in, doing what he does best and holding his own. Even against swimmers with faster times, Rosenbaum pulled through and finished the race … in first place!

Since 2016, the McHenry Boys swim team has been blending in with the other high schools; nobody from McHenry has qualified for state in years. However, Freshman Rosenbaum has finally broken the seven year streak and qualified for state in two events.

Rosenbaum has been swimming for around eight years. His hard work has led to him making many achievements and reaching many of his goals.

“Swimming, it’s a very important part of my life,” says Rosenbaum. “I’ve been swimming for most of my life. I look forward to it every day. It’s super important to me.”

Coaches, family, friends and teammates have all complimented Rosenbaum’s abilities. Not only is he a talented swimmer, but he possesses a unique dedication not often seen in athletes.

“Robbie is the hardest worker I’ve ever met in my life,” says senior Jakob Axelson. “He puts in the work. He goes to the morning practice and afternoon practice – he’s always there, 100% attendance.”

Axelson, the only senior on the team, reflected on how Rosenbaum’s accomplishments have impacted him. “I feel like a proud dad. I’m so happy he’s made it because he’s worked so hard for it. He deserves it,” Axelson stated.

Not only Axelson has improved due to Rosenbaum’s encouragement, though. Freshman Cole Benton, a friend and teammate of the swimmer, has talked about how Rosenbaum helped him.

“Seeing him progress has made me progress too,” says Benton. “Just seeing how fast he’s gotten has helped me get faster as well.”

Coach Sharon Lesniak, who’s been a swim coach for nearly 20 years, says she is beyond happy with how Rosenbaum has performed.

“Robbie is very self motivated,” Lesniak says. “He’s quiet, he knows what he wants. You give him a set, and he finishes it. He knows how to pace or sprint it. When he wants something, he’s gonna go for it. He’s gonna get it.”

Rosenbaum has had an incredible season. In the McHenry school alone, he has broken 4 pool records, including the 100 back varsity record. There are still many years left in his swimming career, too. Being just a freshman, Rosenbaum has at least three more years to improve and grow. This means many more records will be broken in the future as he continues to swim.

Rosenbaum was also nominated as one of NW Sports Athletes of the Week against three other high school athletes.

Rosenbaum has said that this boosted his confidence and made him swim stronger throughout the season.

Rosenbaum concluded the season with fantastic times. He had two new personal bests in his main events, both of which qualified for state. He swam the 100 Free in 46.24 seconds, finishing in first place at sectionals. He swam the 100 Back in 50.38 seconds, finishing in second at sectionals.

Rosenbaum proved himself just as strong in the state meet. He placed 18th in the 100 Free, with a time of 46.54 seconds, and finished 17 in the 100 Back, with a time of 51.08 seconds.

“I’m very proud of all these kids and all their hard work. This year has been a great season with all the boys,” Coach Lesniak remarks. “Keep up the good work, and thank you [Rosenbaum] for taking us to state.”

This season was a major win for Rosenbaum and McHenry. Not only did he qualify for state in two events, breaking a seven year streak, Rosenbaum was selected as athlete of the week, broke several pool records, and brought the McHenry swim team together. Hardwork, dedication, and a true love for the sport pulled Rosenbaum and the boy’s swim team to success. The fruitful wins of the 2025 season won’t be easily forgotten.

One event done, one to go –  the 100 back, Rosenbaum’s signature event. This time, though, he starts with a new sense of confidence. The competition is fast, but so is he. “Take your marks … Go!” And the swimmers push off. Rosenbaum fights hard and comes in second with a fresh time seconds faster than his old personal record. “I dropped over two seconds – I believe that is a win in my book,” says Rosenbaum, concluding his successful Freshman season.