Maine West breaks through

Twenty-nine years is a long time to wait, especially when it relates to teenagers.

Maine West hadn't qualified a boys swimming relay team since 1979 -- but the Warriors finally broke through in the first race of the Glenbrook North sectional Saturday.

"I think it was just awesome," said Pat Cullen, a first-time state qualifier after swimming the first leg of the 200 medley relay. "I think it was awesome for our team, awesome for that relay, awesome for our coach. The high that we got from it was just incredible."

Matt O'Hagan, who also qualified in the 100 breaststroke, couldn't contain himself after the Warriors finished first ahead of Glenbrook South, which claimed the sectional team crown.

"I was so excited," O'Hagan said. "I was going nuts behind the blocks. I was all over the place, I lost my voice and couldn't speak. It was nuts, it was awesome."

Maine West coach Ryan Claus was very proud of his boys' achievement.

"It's a big swim for us and it couldn't happen to a nicer group of kids," Claus said. "They've worked real hard. That's been our focus since last year at this meet."

The Warriors finished sixth overall, one spot behind Prospect. The Knights had three qualifiers, including Charlie Mau in the 100 fly.

"I'm very excited. It's the first time I've ever made a state time," Mau said. "It's too much to handle. I'm the happiest I can ever be."

Knights' sophomore Tyler Bengsten and junior Andrew Bowman will join Mau after qualifying in the 100 breaststroke.

Knights diver Chris Mattes has a good chance to advance as an at-large qualifier after breaking the school record with 322.75 points.

"I was more worried with what place I got," Mattes said. "Now it's more of a big deal because everybody's talking about it."

Wheeling's Erik Maczko will be making his third trip to the state finals after winning the 100 fly and qualifying in the 100 back. The Wildcats senior is looking for a pair of top-12 finishes.

"Today was just make the cuts," he said. "I'm kind of relieved right now. I'm sure this upcoming week is going to be a little nerve-racking."

Hersey diver Jeff Mitchem also has a chance to qualify at-large after he earned 322.8 points.

Buffalo Grove came close but failed to advance anyone. Junior Adrian Sadkowski posted a 22.35 in the 50 free, just .06 seconds from qualifying.

"I could have made state but I made a stupid mistake," he said. "I was bummed about that."

Bison senior Mike Hausfeld swam a personal-best 56.95 in the 100 back and just missed the cut.

"This is an awesome job to get to work with these guys," BG coach Jamie Klotz said. "This is the hardest moment when you have a guy that's worked his can off for four years and gets close, but it's not enough."

Senior Nick Balcerak finished 10th in the 200 free and sophomore Eric Primdahl took 10th in the 100 fly for St. Viator, which did not advance any swimmers.