Notre Dame senior John Couri has qualified for the IHSA state swimming & diving meet for the past two seasons in the 100 butterfly, and last year was in four events at state for the Irish. He finished in the top 30 in the 50 freestyle at state, and in the top 20 in the 100 fly, and earned medals in the 200 free relay (sixth) and the 400 free relay (seventh). He also ran cross country for four seasons for PND, and was "Rookie of the Year" for being the fastest freshman on the team in the 2014 cross country season. Couri was on the cross country state team his first three seasons with the Irish.
Journal Star reporter Johnny Campos had five questions for Couri:
1 You are on a Notre Dame team that has made it to state every year since you've been at the school. How special has it been for you to have been part of that?
"It has been really special to be part of such an elite swim program. When I was a freshman, the team got second place overall. Ever since then, I knew that the next three years would include once-in-a-lifetime experiences that very few kids will get to have. What makes the team so special are my teammates — they are the best. They motivate me to reach my full potential. We all appreciate how important it is to remain cohesive as a team, blending our differences and talents into one formidable force. However, nothing would be able to happen without our coach, Shawn (Ribordy). He is not only our coach but also our friend, and I think that is the main reason why our team is so successful."
2 Has being on the cross country team helped you become faster in the water, and vice versa?
"To be honest, cross country shape and swimming shape are totally different. While running cross country, I lose a lot of muscle, so when swim season comes around, I try to gain it all back as soon as possible. Many people would think doing cross country gets me in great shape for swimming, but the first few practices of the swim season are pretty rough. However, the endurance I develop during cross country season does carry over to swim season and helps me a lot, especially when we are doing "500 pace" in practice. On the other hand, swimming does help with running. I ran track my freshman year, and due to swimming, I was in better shape than most of the freshmen because there are many swim skills that can be transferred to the track, such as rhythmic breathing."
3 You were one of the busiest swimmers at the state meet last year, qualifying in four events. The 50 free and 100 fly are back-to-back events. Do you think that might have affected your performances in qualifying?
"I started swimming the 50 free at the beginning of my junior year. At first, I didn't really like the idea of it because, as you said, the 100 fly (which is my main event) is right after it, and I wanted to fully rested for it. However, as time went on, I realized that swimming the 50 free actually warms me up and gets me even more ready for the 100 fly. Thankfully, there is a cool down between the two events, so that helps a lot as well. But, overall, I think swimming the 50 free allows me to go faster in the 100 fly."
4 What are some of your outside interests when you are not running or swimming?
"Outside of athletics, I am really invested in my academics. I am in the top 10 of my class and am thinking about attending the University of Notre Dame to major in biological sciences. Also, I am a Student Ambassador at PND and promote our school to prospective families (Come to PND!). I am also the President of Latin Club and help within St. Jude Club. In the summer, I enjoy volunteering in the Emergency Department at Methodist Hospital and going up to Minocqua, Wis., to tube, hike, ski and fish."
5 What has been your best memory in your four years with the Irish?
"My best memory with the Irish has been our annual Portillo's run after the state meet. It is the best way to end the season and basically our last hurrah."