Neuqua Valley's Cunningham isn't going to limit himself

Jacob Cunningham of Neuqua Valley has added a new wrinkle to his already impressive game.

The Wildcats' only four-year boys swimming veteran and a mainstay of the sectional and state lineup primarily as a distance freestyler, Cunningham has improved his ability in the shorter distance races. That will make him an even stronger presence in the relays at the sectional meet.

Cunningham, who last year qualified for state in both the 200 and 500 free, is a more versatile swimmer this year.

"He has one of the fastest starts in the state," said Neuqua coach Chad Allen. "And he's improved his underwaters, which is unusual for a natural distance guy. He is definitely reliable in any freestyle race and should be an important contributor to the free relays. His versatility has really helped us a lot this year."

Allen reports that Cunningham is a little ahead of last year's time in the 500.

"He really tapers well at the end of the season," Allen said. "So we're looking for him to finish top 12 in both the 500 and the 200."

The coach has also been impressed with his senior's focus and leadership.

"It's great to see how he's grown as a leader this year," Allen said. "He's excited about his senior year and swimming in college. He's really motivated and having his best year, which is both great for him and for the team."

Cunningham has not yet committed to a college.

McAveeney has company:

JP McAveeney continues as Benet's leader and top swimmer, but the difference for the Redwings this year is that there's a great deal of talent developing behind him.

The Redwings senior qualified for state in the 100 free and the 100 breaststroke in 2016 and he's nearing qualification time in the latter after finishing third with a 1:01.7 at last weekend's Downers Grove North Trojan Invite.

He will also be a key member of both the 200 medley and 200 free relays at sectionals.

"JP has always been a dedicated practice swimmer," said Benet coach Ben Gensler, "and he's continuing that this year."

But if results continue along this season's current path, McAveeney will not be alone on the deck at this year's state meet.

"We're pushing hard to get more qualifiers," Gensler said.

At last week's Downers Grove North Trojan Invite, anchor man McAveeney and his teammates Ryan Shanley (backstroke), Trevor Pilgrim (breaststroke) and Conor Van Santen (fly) finished fifth against top-flight competition in the 200 medley relay.

Gensler reports that in addition to McAveeney, each of the other three is a candidate for state qualification in his specialty.

In addition juniors Andrew Prisby and Justin Vasko as well as several underclass Redwings, who gave a strong account of themselves throughout last Saturday's meet, are still vying for positions on the sectional relay teams.

Keep an eye on the up-and-coming Ian Smith, Colin Flynn and Ryan Flynn.

"We're just a lot deeper in a lot of events than we've been in the recent past," Gensler said. "We hope to get JP qualified in two races, plus two or three individuals and the medley relay and possibly even the 200 free relay going to state."

Redhawks seeing progress:

As a team Naperville Central finished second at the Downers Grove North Trojan Invite as Redhawks senior Phillip Sajaev won both the 50 freestyle and the 100 breaststroke and senior Matt Wooten took the gold in the 200 IM.

"We had a lot of good swims," said Naperville Central coach Mike Adams. "But we see each meet as a step toward the end of the season. We're still figuring out our postseason lineup. We should know more in the next two weeks."

Sajaev, who was fifth in the breaststroke at last year's state meet, also swam on all three relays that finished in the top three.

"He really picked it up about three weeks ago and he's really racing well," Adams said. "Phillip really likes to race and he's not afraid of getting after it against the best competition. He was great when he came in as freshman and he's improved every year. He's really an experienced swimmer and he's on course to do a lot of good things at the end of the season."

Sajaev will attend the University of Pennsylvania.