A profitable partnership at Waubonsie Valley

Though it is an individual sport, Waubonsie Valley senior Jared Simpson knows that varsity high school swimming has some very important team aspects to it as well.

The relay events require four racers to function as a smoothly running team, but there's also everyday practice. Since he arrived at Waubonsie, Simpson has had a talented teammate to pair off with as a practice partner, a relationship that can be remarkably beneficial for both.

For his first two years the Harvard-bound Simpson was paired with the team's veteran leader, Michael Schwers, who now swims for Michigan State.

"Michael was incredibly fast and a dedicated swimmer who helped me take my training to another level," Simpson said. "And his great work ethic rubbed off on me. He was the perfect mentor-training partner for me. We also became good friends."

Last year, as a junior, Simpson became something of a mentor himself when he paired off with then freshman Aayush Deshpande. That partnership continues this year, and both swimmers have high goals for the state tournament.

Simpson, who has qualified for state as an individual three years in a row, finished fourth at state in the 100 backstroke and ninth in the 200 IM. He's hoping to finish top six in both events his time.

Deshpande qualified for state in both the 200 and 500 free last year. Both swam on qualifying relay teams and they intend to score on a least two relays this time around.

"They're both outstanding athletes who could qualify in almost any event," said Waubonsie Valley coach Nick Arens. "They're ambitious and dedicated and they provide support and push each other in the pool."

"I try to be for Aayush what Michael was to me," Simpson said. "You could tell how good Aayush was last year, but this year he's bigger, stronger and better. I think he can score in several events including the 200 and 500 free or the fly. He keeps right up with me in the pool."

Simpson said they have a friendly competition in practice but they're also demanding. If one slacks off a little the other picks up the pace.

"Aayush has good distance per stroke and he has great endurance," Simpson said. "Keeping up with him in the pool has helped me improve this year. And we've become good friends."

Dai and night:

Andrew Dai was an outstanding freshman for Naperville Central last year, qualifying for state in both the 100 butterfly and the 200 IM.

But this year Dai has emerged as one of the top Redhawks racers, winning or placing highly in dual meets and invites and taking on more of a leadership role in practice.

"I'm a lot faster in both the 200 IM and the fly," Dai said. "I've also focused on my freestyle events. I'm working on my turns and my underwater extensions because I want to keep improving and be ready to swim wherever the team needs me."

"Andrew spent a lot of time training in the off-season," said Naperville Central coach Mike Adams. "He's not afraid to swim any distance or stroke. He could contribute on relays as well."

Dai said qualifying for state was a big confidence-booster, but it also made him realize how much room there is for improvement.

"Seeing some of the other swimmers at state was a real eye-opener," Dai said. "It was also great because it made me realize how important it is to be a member of the Naperville Central team. As a freshman I could swim freely because the team wasn't necessarily relying on me. This year there's more pressure, but that's a positive thing because I'm swimming for myself and for my team."

Dai missed out on scoring last year but came close.

"My goals this year are to score in two events," Dai said. "And I'm looking forward to see what we can do as a team. I've always got my teammate pushing and encouraging me. I'm enjoying the team environment and I Iove to race. I agree with coach Adams that we should concentrate on the racing, and the time drops will come naturally."

Focused:

Naperville North's Horace Qiao is determined to make his senior year count.

He finished top six at state in both the 100 butterfly and the 200 IM, and this year he's planning on going top three in both events. He has big plans for the Huskies' 200 medley and 400 freestyle relays as well.

"Horace has improved in every one of his strokes," said Naperville North coach Andy McWhirter. "He's even more relaxed and confident this year. He's winning his two individual events consistently, and he's always encouraging his teammates on the relays to focus on the year-end results."

Judging by what he's observed about his team McWhirter thinks the Huskies have great potential to swim at least two relays on Saturday.

"Horace was very impressive swimming the final leg of the 400 free relay against Naperville Central," said McWhirter. "He swam a fantastic 100 free to give us a come-from-behind win."

According to McWhirter, Qiao, who will attend Brown University, will swim the fly on the medley relay and will be joined by Noah Ellis (backstroke), Josh Tak (breaststroke) and Calvin Chow (freestyle).

The 400 free relay team members Qiao, Ellis and Joey Yuan all have state experience and outstanding freshman Grant Bochinski is someone to remember for the future.

"Horace sets the tone in practice," McWhirter said. "We have a good bunch of talented guys, several of whom can qualify in their individual events. And Horace is taking a lot of responsibility for his teammates raising their expectations."