Rolling Meadows, Prospect take their best shot at unity

The Rolling Meadows and Prospect boys swimming teams expect to battle it out for real in a key Mid-Suburban East meet on Jan. 23.

But out of mutual respect, general competitiveness and a willingness to play hard away from the pool, the Mustangs and Knights staged a warm-up of sorts last Saturday.

Athletes and coaches from both programs met for pizza, then headed over to Southpoint Mall in Arlington Heights for several spirited rounds of laser tag.

The idea originated with Rolling Meadows coach Monika Chiappetta, who's been impressed with the good sportsmanship and general good behavior from both her own team and Prospect. Many of the swimmers know one another from competing on the same club teams.

"I suggested this happen due to fact these senior boys have grown up together and are still such good friends," Chiappetta said. "Knowing what's going down on the 23rd, I thought a day celebrating their friendships would be awesome."

A total of 34 competitors battled it out, under a variety of formats, which included the coaches participating. In one round, the seniors from both high school teams banded together and took on everybody else.

"The seniors loved that," said Chiappetta, "and won."

Prospect is the defending conference champion and features another very deep, capable team this season. Rolling Meadows, meanwhile, has made a big jump up in terms of varsity competitiveness this season.

Whether the Mustangs have enough to edge the Knights in a head-to-head matchup will be clear in a couple of weeks.

Until then, Prospect coach Alfonso Lopez will be certain to pick his battles carefully.

"Monika and I were hoping to start something different and unique for our teams," said Lopez, "but what we really figured out was that I am horrible at laser tag."

Coach's marksmanship aside, this was clearly a win-win for both teams, who used the opportunity to break up the routine of a long, challenging holiday training session.

"I think it's exactly what they needed," said Chiappetta. "It was great to see them all laughing and being together, with no worries."