Northwest Herald Athlete of the Week: McHenry’s Robbie Rosenbaum

Name: Robbie Rosenbaum

School: McHenry

Sport: Swimming

Why he was selected: Rosenbaum took first in two individual races Jan. 25 at Woodstock North co-op’s Mary Landa Invite and broke three-time Northwest Herald Boys Swimmer of the Year winner Quinn Cynor’s record in the freshman 100-yard freestyle. Rosenbaum swam in 48:41 seconds, beating Cynor’s 48:90.

For his performance, Rosenbaum was selected as the Northwest Herald Athlete of the Week in an online vote. Harvard basketball player Adam Cooke, Huntley wrestler Colin Abordo and Woodstock co-op boys bowler Max Haggerty also were nominated.

Rosenbaum answered a few questions from Northwest Herald sports editor Alex Kantecki.

What did it mean to you to break the meet record in the freshman 100-yard freestyle?

Rosenbaum: It means that all the hard work that I have put in all these years has paid off. I am super proud to know that my name will be in the record books hopefully for years to come.

What has been your favorite part about being on the McHenry boys swimming team?

Rosenbaum: My favorite part about swimming on the McHenry boys swimming team is earning awards, breaking records and forming new friendships.

How did you get into swimming?

Rosenbaum: My parents put me into swim lessons 10 years ago and then I went off to a prep swim team. After progressing quickly, I joined my first swim club and have been on one ever since.

What are some of your rest-of-season goals?

Rosenbaum: Championship season is arriving quickly. My goal for the end of the season is to qualify for the IHSA State Championships and go back the [second] day for finals.

Who is your favorite professional athlete?

Rosenbaum: My favorite professional athlete is Michael Jordan. He exemplifies hard work, dominance and discipline – all qualities that I strive for.

If you were stuck on a deserted island, what three things would you bring with you?

Rosenbaum: I would bring a fire starter, a hatchet and a pot.

What is one food that you can’t stand to eat?

Rosenbaum: Tomatoes.

What is something that a lot of people don’t know about you?

Rosenbaum: The reason why I was put in swim lessons was because I took my floaty off without my parents noticing and then went down a waterslide at a waterpark and almost drowned.

Who is your favorite teacher?

Rosenbaum: I have had many great teachers throughout my years in McHenry, but my favorite was my seventh-grade science teacher Mr. Shevchik.

Who is your biggest hero?

Rosenbaum: I look up to many people in my life, but I don’t necessarily have a hero.

What would be your dream vacation spot?

Rosenbaum: If I had to choose anywhere in the world I would want to go to the Turks and Caicos Islands, Maldives or anywhere tropical with super clear waters.