As seniors blossom into their final form of a high school student, a phenomenon occurs. During the first three years in the classroom, field, Black Box, library, and wherever else, students hone in on a routine and goals, losing focus with the bigger picture. As a fourth-year student at BC, there are more realizations and reflections: an end of a journey. Tom Bergin (’24) has had a wild ride as a 4 year varsity member of the Brookfield Co-op swimming team, acquiring many accolades and memories along the way.
How long have you been swimming?
I have been swimming competitively for 12 years, since I was six.
What was special about swimming for you?
I love being with my teammates. We have a lot of fun at practice, team dinners, and meets. Without their company, swimming would not be enjoyable.
What were your major accomplishments as a team and an individual (School and Club)?
I have been lucky to be a part of a very successful Brookfield Co-op swim team. In 2022, we won the WIAA State Championship. In 2023, we won the Greenfield Sectional and took sixth at State. Lastly, in 2024, we won the Classic Eight/Greater Metro Conference Championship and the Homestead Sectional in addition to placing fourth at State.
My greatest points of pride are the extremely fast relays I’ve been blessed to be on over the years. In 2022, Michael Long, Jonny Day, Stuart Seymour, and I finished 2nd at State in the 400 free relay, earning All-American recognition. Stuart and Michael went on to be Big Ten collegiate swimmers. In 2023, Stuart, Nish Kumar, Caleb Smith, and I finished 5th at State in the 200 free relay, again earning All-American recognition. Lastly, this year, Caleb, Luke Thomas, Logan Loppnow, and I won the 200 free relay at State. Outstanding freshman Logan Loppnow anchored the relay; he had a thrilling come-from-behind swim to beat powerhouses Madison West and Middleton for the title. I have had the privilege of being on the same relays with some very fast swimmers.
What other activities are you involved in at BC?
I compete in track during the spring. In addition, I am the class council liaison, a Blue Crew student leader, a Key Club member, and a National Honors Society member.
What will be your favorite memory of BC, reflecting back on the past 4 years?
My favorite memory, by far, is being a part of the 2022 Brookfield Co-op swim team that took first at State. Winning state was in the back of our minds at the beginning of that season; we invested copious amounts of effort into achieving that goal. Though one day I will forget my own swims that season, I will never forget the fun I shared with my friends and role models. It was a special experience.
