Peters adds depth to Neuqua
Hans Peters is a bonus addition to a Neuqua Valley lineup that is focused on winning this year's state boys swimming meet.
Peters, who moved with his family from The Netherlands last year where he was top five in his age group, is another in the Wildcats' deep reservoir of talent.
On Tuesday, Peters won both the 200-yard individual medley and the 500 freestyle to help lead host Neuqua to a dual-meet 124-62 victory over Upstate Eight Conference rival Waubonsie Valley.
"The 500 was a good race," said Peters, who swam a 4:50.34. "My goal was to make the state cut and I did that by two seconds. I'll be going for state in that race and I want to go under 4:40."
"Hans is coming around," said Neuqua Valley coach Chad Allen. "He did a nice job. He's a freestyler, and we're going to start training him a little more for the 500. He also did a good job in the IM, which isn't his race."
Peters was also a member of both winning freestyle relays.
With state champion Brian Alden skipping the meet as a precaution after a minor neck injury suffered in practice, a number of his teammates in addition to Peters stepped up with outstanding swims that gave the Wildcats (3-0) the win.
Ryan Jadwin won both the 200 and 100 freestyle races. Kevin Overholt did a best-ever 21.35 in the 50 freestyle and Kevin Cordes went 1:01.08 to win the 100 breaststroke.
John Mikuzis, Brad Kay, Mike Lehman and Ryan Farmer combined to finish first in the 200 medley relay.
"We have a lot better depth than we had last year," Allen said. "There are a lot of guys competing for a couple of spots."
Chris Murray finished first in the diving with 243.25 points, and Neuqua divers Gus Appenbrink and Ted Wagner finished second and third, respectively.
"Our divers have been great," Allen said. "We expect big things from Chris Murray this year."
Last weekend the Wildcats won the Evanston Invite against some of the top contenders in the state, including defending state champion New Trier.
Waubonsie Valley coach Chad Ganden observed that Neuqua Valley's confidence is noticeable.
"They're definitely walking around with their heads help up high," Ganden said. "They're not intimidated by anyone. They walk in thinking they can win everything and that's what you need to do."
Ganden is still experimenting with both his individual and relay lineups, and he was happy with a number of Warriors swims.
Jack Poletto won the 100 butterfly in 54.41 and Taylor Pattison took the 100 backstroke in 56.90.
"We've been working a lot on Taylor's backstroke," Ganden said. "That's the fastest he's gone all year and it's nice to see the progress."
The 200 freestyle relay team of Jim Zuponeck, Poletto, Adam Kozak and Tyler Hunt finished a little more than two seconds behind Neuqua Valley.
"That was a new combination," Ganden said. "And it's the fastest time we've had all year in that race."