Scouting the Fox Valley area's boys swimming teams
Bartlett/Streamwood Coach: Carl Metzke (3rd season)
Last season: State qualifier and Top 10 finisher in Josh Hasenberg.
Top swimmers: Senior: Adam Mastrangeli (butterfly/freestyle); Juniors: Mike Brady (freestyle), Tim LaBud (freestyle/Backstroke), Trace Pomplun (freestyle/butterfly); Sophomore: Tanner Spears (breaststroke/freestyle)
Outlook: Last season, the Bartlett/Streamwood co-op boasted sophomore Josh Hasenberg, who finished among the Top 10 in the state in two events, earning a seventh place finish in the 200 IM (1:55.84) and seventh-place honors in the 100 breaststroke (58:70). While Hasenberg won't return this season, co-op coach Carl Metzke is very optimistic about what he does have. "Having the loss of Josh will affect the team, but the next swimmers are already stepping things up and are eager to help out," Metzke said. "We have a new crop of swimmers that are excited to start the new season and find out where they can help the team." The Bartlett/Streamwood co-op actually had the largest turnout in school history for the boys program, and those joining the program are at higher starting ability ranges according to Metzke. "The program as a whole has been developing nicely since I arrived here," said Metzke. "I had to hire a new staff of coaches, and as a group we wanted to create and mold the program into a positive experience for each swimmer." The Bartlett/Streamwood goal will be simple: Get bigger and get faster. Of course, individuals will set goals of their own which they can apply to the team's overall goal as well. "Our new coaching staff is full of energy to push these athletes to their greatest," said Metzke. "As the season develops, we hope to have a strong roster of swimmers that can step up to the block no matter what the event. Each swimmer on this team is here to improve, and they are all showing that they are willing to do the work to get there." Whatever the outcome, Metzke is excited to see the progression and potential of this season's roster. "It will be a roller coaster ride watching what this team is capable of," Metzke said.
Dundee-Crown/Jacobs Coach: Rick Andresen (4th season)
Last season: 5-0, Fox Valley champions, 3rd at sectionals
Top swimmers: Senior: Zach Cash (distance), juniors: Sean Kelly (butterfly, backstroke, IM, free), Nick Pankau (breaststroke), freshmen: Ryan Krug, Riley Quinlan
Outlook: Things will hardly be the same for the Dundee-Crown/Jacobs co-op, having lost three of the area's finest swimmers in Nick Floyd, Chris Sykes and Kevin Raske to graduation. But, the team does not start the 2007-08 campaign empty-handed, welcoming back two state qualifiers in juniors Sean Kelly and Nick Pankau. Kelly brings talent, experience and versatility to the pool as does Pankau, who will be a top contender in the breaststroke. Both qualified for state last season on the medley relay team. Looking to make waves as freshmen are Ryan Krug and Riley Quinlan. "We are rebuilding a bit," said Andresen. "I'm counting on our seniors to step up and fill spots. I would like to see our seniors be athletes and not just team members." With program numbers on the rise, and a total of 30 boys out for the program this year, Andresen expects to see some pushes for starting positions. "I'm very excited to see what our younger guys can do," Andresen said. "Our swimmers are going to have to work hard and step it up to earn spots." Depth will be the team strength. "The breaststroke will be a good event for us with Nick, and Sean will be solid wherever he swims for us."
District 155
Coach: Jim Andreakos (2nd season)
Last season: 2nd in the Fox Valley
Top swimmers: Juniors: Brent Curtis (50-100 free), Michael Kinross (butterfly/IM)
Outlook: With a program-high 38 swimmers out this season, District 155 is looking to make a big splash competitively. State qualifiers Brent Curtis and Michael Kinross will be essential components to D-155's success. Curtis competed at state as a sophomore in both the 50 and 100 freestyles, while Kinross was a contender in the 100 butterfly. Perhaps even more valuable to District 155 than its talent and experience will be character and leadership skills. Both will be first-time co-captains for the group. "Brent and Michael bring back state experience to the team, but they bring so much more," said coach Jim Andreakos. "They want to be as good as the (Kevin) Raske/(Nick) Floyd duo from Dundee-Crown/Jacobs," Andreakos said. "They want to be as good as some of the area's best swimmers. That says a lot about these two guys. They both know that there is always room for improvement." According to Andreakos, the team has a lot of holes to be filled. Still, he anticipates a very fun, very exciting and very successful season overall. "We have a lot of swimmers here, but not a lot of swim-team experience," he said. "We're going to show these guys the ropes and go from there. Our goal is to get Curtis and Kinross back to state and have them bring a couple of new guys with them."