Waubonsie's Zuponeck makes the cut at College Events meet

Waubonsie Valley swimmer Jim Zuponeck didn't make the state cut in his individual events last year, and he doesn't intend to let that happen again.

At Thursday's Naperville North College Events Invitational at Naperville Central, Zuponeck continued his road back to the state meet by winning the 200 freestyle, an off-event for him. He also led off for the Warriors' winning 800 freestyle relay.

"I'm motivated by the fact that I missed qualifying last year," said Zuponeck, a junior who qualified as a freshman in both the 100 breaststroke and the 200 IM. "This year I'm looking to score in whichever events I go for, maybe both the breaststroke and the IM again."

"Jim and I have talked a lot about commitment and dedication," said Waubonsie Valley coach Chad Ganden. "He's working really hard and trying to do things the way he did them as a freshman when he had a great year. I'm expecting great results at the end of this year. He's already got his cut in the breaststroke, and today's win in the 200 free shows that he's developing into a good all-around swimmer."

At Thursday's meet Marmion won the team competition with 171.5 points by taking two of the three relays and four individual races. The other three teams were bunched behind the Cadets with Naperville North taking second with 140 points, followed closely by Naperville Central with 139.5 and Waubonsie Valley with 135.

Jackson Hill of Naperville North was the meet's big winner capturing both sprints, going 22.10 in the 50 freestyle and 48.17 in the 100 freestyle.

"We've been practicing really hard and I was very sore and tired," Hill said. "I was happy with my times for this time of the year."

Hill was one of the few top swimmers at the meet who did go in his primary races.

Last year Hill finished 10th at state in the 50, and he's looking to score in both the 50 and the 100 this year.

"Today showed how hard Jackson has worked this year," said Naperville North coach Kurt Johns. "His streamlining has really improved. He's getting great distance off the walls. He's also stepped up in a leadership role this year. I'm very happy to see the times he put up today."

The depth Marmion showed in winning Thursday's meet makes coach Bill Schalz optimistic about this year's state competition. Marmion finished 17th last year.

"If we go into state and do a great job, we can make the top 10," Schalz said. "If we do a great job and catch a break or two we can go top five, and I'm really hoping we can get a trophy. We can score in almost every individual race, and we have guys who can swim the relays."

The Cadets' winners at the college events meet were the 400 medley and the 200 freestyle relays, as well as individuals Luke Martinez in the 1000 freestyle, Tyler Capen in the 200 backstroke, Mike Halles in the 500 freestyle and Peter Flight in the 200 breaststroke.

Naperville North's Will Heidler won the 400 IM, Waubonsie's Jack Poletto finished first in the 200 butterfly, and Naperville Central's Mike Greco won the diving.