TriCounty

In February 2008, Richwoods swimmer Matt Elliott became the first freshman in history to win two individual events at the IHSA swimming and diving state finals. Elliott won the 200-yard individual medley in 1:50.93 and the 100 breaststroke in :56.94.

He was the second-youngest male to participate in the 2008 Olympic Trials at Omaha, Neb., where then-15-year-old Elliott placed 52nd out of 64 starters in the 200-meter breast.

Illinois Swimming, the governing body of the sport in the state, honored Elliott as its Male Athlete of the Year in October. The Peoria Area Water Wizards swimmer currently is a member of the USA Swimming national junior team.