Partridge can't overcome Cats

Stevenson senior Duncan Partridge hoped to set the school record in the 100-yard freestyle during a dual meet at Libertyville on Thursday.

Oh well, he'll just have to settle for a pair of pool records.

Partridge set pool records in the 50-yard freestyle (21.74) and the 100 freestyle (46.73).

Even with his performance, Libertyville (104.5) still scored an important victory over Stevenson (81.50) in a key North Suburban Conference dual. The Wildcats improved to 2-0, while the Patriots dropped to 0-1.

"It's kind of a bummer we had to swim them so early in the season because they're such good competition," Stevenson coach Susan Whitehouse said. "We looked a little sluggish."

Although he was disappointed with the team result, Partridge was excited about what he accomplished.

"Libertyville is one of our rivals in almost every sport; it feels good to leave a mark," he said.

Libertyville coach Chris Wetteland said Partridge is at the top of his game.

"You have to build your lineup around him and make sure you can take his damage," Wetteland said. "Our guys swam up in the other events we needed to."

Early on, the Wildcats made a statement when Danny LeJeune (2:05.20), Baris Pekpolat (2:09.51) and Austin Hoover (2:10.39) finished first, second and third, respectively, in the 200 individual medley.

"That really set the tone for the rest of the meet," Wetteland said.

LeJeune also edged Hoover for first in the 100 breaststroke.

"We push each other and that helps both our times," LeJeune said.

Libertyville junior Ben Glick enjoyed dominating victories in the 500 freestyle (4:58.41) and 100 backstroke (56.42).

"I was a little off my best time, but I was having fun and swimming to win," Glick said.

Libertyville freshman Ben Snader placed second in the 500 freestyle (5:17.82).

"He improved by maybe six seconds," Wetteland said. "He's a very utilitarian swimmer; he can help us out in a lot of different events."

The Wildcats' Stevie Wimmer took first in the 200 freestyle (1:48.38) and the 100 butterfly (53.45).

"This win gives us a huge boost," LeJeune said.

Stevenson diver Matt Stiefel (219.45) was well ahead of his closest competitor, Libertyville's Chris Bryant (138.65). Stevenson's Carl Best (138.25) finished a close third.

"He's been improving by leaps and bounds," Whitehouse said about Stiefel. "He's 10 times better than last year."