This could be Wildcats' year

This could be the year the Wildcats strike.

The Neuqua Valley boys swimming team, which tied with Naperville North for third in state last season, has most of its team returning and everyone is a year stronger, a year better and focused on moving up those last two positions to the state championship.

"Last year was our highest finish ever," said Neuqua Valley coach Chad Allen. "And with Brian (Alden) back for his senior year and so much depth, this year is our best chance."

Alden, who is generally regarded as the best swimmer in Illinois, was the state champion in both the 50- and 100-yard freestyle races the past two years.

"Brian can swim and win any race," Allen said. "Last year he showed his versatility. This year he's focused on sprinting. He's stronger and more determined than ever. Brian is a competitor, and he's got the other guys thinking they have to be as competitive. We have a lot of good options for our relays."

Alden, who has committed to Penn State, is hoping to break the state and national records this year in both events.

"I've been working hard in practice and in strength training and I'm hoping it will pay off," Alden said.

But even with his lofty individual goals, Alden would rather talk about Neuqua Valley's potential as a team and the continued development of his outstanding teammates.

"We definitely have the potential to get it done," co-captain Alden said. "Everyone on the team is good and I think our relays will be even faster. I'll try to lead by example, but we all know what has to be done."

Alden's work ethic and confident approach to the sport has rubbed off on many of the Wildcats, especially on Kevin Overholt, who blossomed into a true superstar last year when he finished second in the 200 freestyle and swam on all three scoring relay teams.

"Kevin has been awesome," Alden said. "He'll be a huge help to the team this year, scoring points as an individual and in the relays.

"Overholt will be competing for the state title in any individual event he chooses," Allen said. "Consistency had been a problem for him, but at the end of last year he showed a lot more confidence and consistency."

A third Wildcat who predicts as a scorer is senior diver Chris Murray who finished sixth at state last year and also has his eyes on a state title.

"I watch him dive in practice," Alden said. "And he has improved a lot over last year."

Behind the big three is a wealth of outstanding talent, including a solid group of potential scorers at state both as individuals and as contributors on the relays.

Seniors Brad Kay and Ryan Farmer and juniors John Mikuzis and juniors Mike Lehman are all returning state qualifiers. They have the experience and they're capable of finishing in the money at state.

Add sophomore IMer Brien Gerber and senior Ryan Jadwin, both of whom just missed the state cut, co-captain Dylan Klossner, a state alternate, and promising sophomore transfer Hans Peters and you have an idea why Neuqua Valley's quality depth has the Wildcats thinking about the state title.

"If three or four of those guys step up as scorers at state, we're in good shape," Allen said. "It's exciting to have so many people back. Everyone is a little stronger over last year and they're pretty fired up to win the state title."

"Having so many options will make our relays really strong," Alden said. "Brad Kay will be a great addition to our medley relay."

Despite the high expectation, the Wildcats understand that the championship won't be handed to them, because high-quality teams such as last year's top two finishers New Trier and Glenbrook South will probably be in the picture on Saturday at the state meet.

"We're confident but not cocky," Klossner said. "Brian leads the way and shows us all what we can be. We have a lot of talent, but we know that it's going to be hard work that makes this happen. Everyone is taking responsibility for himself and there's a lot of motivation to do better than last year."