Highland Park 10-Year-Old Posts State Wins, Scores Big For Team Illinois

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — A 10-year-old Highland Park swimmer turned in a strong summer for Highland Park Aquatics Club and Team Illinois, posting top finishes at the Illinois Age Group State Championships and the 2026 Central Zone 14&Under Championships.

Ray Ryser, a rising fifth grader at Ravinia Elementary School, recently competed in both meets representing the local year-round youth swim program.

At the Illinois Age Group State Championships a few weeks ago, Ray won the 10U boys 50 Free state championship and the 10U boys 100 Free state championship.

This past weekend, Ray was selected to represent Team Illinois at the 2026 Central Zone 14&Under Championships in Minneapolis. The meet brought together more than 850 young swimmers from across the Midwest, competing as representatives of their state teams.

At the zone championships, Ray finished first in the 50 Free and second in the 200 Free. He also was part of Team Illinois relay teams that finished second in the 200 Free Relay and second in the 200 Medley Relay.

Ray's individual finishes and relay swims added nearly 60 points to Team Illinois' overall score. That helped Illinois capture the Central Zone team championship.

The accomplishments also highlight the role of Highland Park Aquatics Club in local youth swimming. HPAC is a local year-round competitive swim program, and its swimmers compete at the state, regional and national levels.