Oswego East Co-Student Athlete of the Week

Swimming is one of the most demanding and time consuming sports in high school. Building stamina requires athletes to come both before and after school, putting in multiple hours in the pool, as well as an hour of land training per day. Senior James Kaku’s hard work, both in and out of the pool, is why he is this week’s Oswego East Co-Student Athlete of the Week.

Competitively swimming for the past 6 years, James has put in the work to become a leader of the East swimming team, as well as a decorated individual. Competing as a swimmer is not for the faint of heart, as the grueling schedule can wear an athlete down. James arrives to East to swim from 5:30-6:30 A.M., takes a full load of challenging classes, then practices in the pool from 3-5 P.M., and does strength work on dry land from 5:00-6:00.

James arrived last year to East from University High in Normal, where he competed on the state champion swim team. He immediately emerged as one of the top swimmers at East, competing in the 100 breast stroke, and 100 butterfly. East’s swim coach, Deryl Leubner, is grateful of the impact James has been able to bring to the East team. He says, “James leads by example. He is always working hard and doesn’t allow his teammates to take it easy in practice.” James’ father, Jamie Kaku, is proud of the hard work his son puts in to everything he does, not just swimming. “James puts as much effort as he has available into whatever he does, whether it is his studies or as an athlete.”

James’ list of accomplishments is great in number. Having already won a state championship as a part of Normal University’s swim team, James came to East and began setting records of his own. Last season he qualified for state in the 100 breast stroke, and this season he broke the team record and placed 7th in state in the same event. James will also be swimming in Orlando for junior nationals later this month.

Hard work is the defining characteristic of James, which allows him to be as successful out of the pool as he is in it. His mechanical engineering teacher, Gina Korczak, says, “[James] ability to pay close attention to detail, his drive to perfect his work so that he could always submit assignments and projects that he was proud of, and his enthusiasm to learn new engineering and CAD skills are all qualities that made James very successful in class last year.” James hard work has paid off and put him near the top of his class with a 3.87 G.P.A.

As far as future plans, James would like to use those skills he learned in Mrs. Korczak’s class next year in college, where he is undecided but prefers a school out West that is close to family. James has the skill and work ethic to be successful. “James’ intellect and dedication will help him to be successful at anything he sets his mind to, and his strong math and science skills, paired with his ability to problem-solve and analyze all of his options to reach the best possible solution, will make him a great engineer in the future,” says Mrs. Korczak.

Despite only spending two years here at East, James has managed to make a great impact on the swimming program and leave an impression on his teachers. James’ father has seen the same impact East has had on him, saying, “James has been more willing to take a leadership role within the team since coming over to Oswego East, trying to lead by example and be encouraging to his teammates.” As a leader of the swim team and in the school, James advises future Wolves to, “Involve themselves in as many activities as they can, once they find one they are good at go after it.” Good luck to James in junior nationals, and we thank you for leaving such a big impression on our school.