Normal Community’s Swartz, BCC’s Durako win CSM Spring Athletes of the Week

A pair of stars on the diamond from Bloomington/Normal took home Clutch Sports Media’s Spring Athletes of the Week honors after putting up strong postseason performances.

Normal Community’s Gavin Swartz won CSM Boys Athlete of the Week after pitching a no-hitter in the regional semifinals and Bloomington Central Catholic’s Lauren Durako had a pair of strong days at the plate to lead the Saints to a history-making sectional title run. 

Read more about our winners and their big performances and get to know them in Q and A’s below:

Swartz won CSM Boys Athlete of the Week after receiving 44 percent of the votes in the boys poll. The Normal Community ace kicked off the Ironmen’s postseason run by throwing a no-hitter in the regional semifinals against Plainfield Central on May 27 with nine strikeouts and two walks. The win helped Normal Community go on to win its fourth consecutive Class 4A regional title. Swartz, who is an MLB Draft prospect and an Indiana commit, posted a 5-1 record with a 2.38 ERA with 51 strikeouts in 35.1 innings during the regular season. 

Get to know Swartz in a Q and A here:

What’s been your favorite memory of your high school career so far? 

“My favorite memory has just been showing up to the field everyday to put work in and having fun with all the guys.”

If you had to be stranded on an island with a teammate, who would it be and why?

“I would choose Andrew Naour because he would turn it into a good time and he’s reliable.”

Favorite music artist?

“Zach Bryan.”

Favorite food?

“A good medium rare steak.”

Do you have any pregame routines/rituals?

“On starts, I do yoga before I get to field and then put my headphones on to lock in right when I get out of my car.”

What’s one thing that’s on your bucket list?

“To pitch in a major league game.”

Who’s your role model and why?

“Jesus because he’s our savior and died on the cross for us.”

Durako won CSM Girls Athlete of the Week after receiving 40 percent of the votes in the girls poll. She led Bloomington Central Catholic with two multi-hit games to help propel the Saints to their first sectional title in program history. She hit a home run and a single in BCC’s 4-3 sectional semifinal win over Marshall on May 26, along with scoring three runs and stealing two bases. She went 2-4 with two singles, a run, and two stolen bases in BCC’s 4-1 sectional title win over Tolono Unity on May 29.

Get to know Durako in a Q and A here: 

What’s been your favorite memory of your high school career so far? 

“My favorite memory is winning sectionals with my team after we had just come out of a rough patch and with everyone doubting us is was a special moment that I’m sure our team with remember forever.”

If you had to be stranded on an island with a teammate, who would it be and why?

“Kate [Stolfa] because she has good survival instincts and skills that I would feel safe and have hope of getting off the island .”

Favorite music artist?

“Drake.”

Favorite food?

“Sushi and pizza.”

Do you have any pregame routines/rituals?

“Wear the same ribbon in my hair and pray my own prayer on the way to the game.”

What’s one thing that’s on your bucket list?

“Win state with my team.”

Who’s your role model and why?

“My grandpa because he is very strong in his faith and always helps me succeed in my athletics in different ways.”