Chou, Warren bring home Jamboree title

Last year, Warren finished second to Prospect at the Hersey Swim Jamboree by 6.5 points.

On Saturday the Blue Devils left no doubt. They cruised to the title with 238 points, easily outdistancing runner-up McHenry (175 points) at Olympic Pool in Arlington Heights.

Mundelein (156 points) took third, followed by Cary-Grove (148.5) and Buffalo Grove (132 points).

Warren won three events and used its depth to secure the title.

"We have a lot of seniors this year," said Warren coach Erik Rodgers, whose team also featured four second-place finishes. "We were just trying to get as many girls as we could in the top six."

Laura Chou led the Blue Devils, taking first in the 100 back (1:03.05) and second in the 100 fly (1:01.70). The senior also combined with Ally Calewarts, Bethany Drebing, and Maddy Hennelly to take first in the 200 free relay (1:45.79).

Chou opened the day by combining with Kristen O'Connor, Micha Prichette, and Rita Nelson in taking second in the 200 medley relay (1:58.81).

"We didn't seem to have a lot of pep today, but our depth pulled us through," said Chou, who nipped Cary-Grove's Courtney Mega on a touch in the 100 back. "Not my best time, but I touched a girl at the finish and that always feels good."

The Blue Devils' O'Connor added a victory in the 500 free (5:27.76).

"It's a big deal to win because we needed the points," said O'Connor of her victory. "Our team may not win every event, but we want a strong showing in the top six."

And that's what the Blue Devils did.

While Warren was showcasing its depth, Buffalo Grove's Erin Rodriguez put on a show.

The senior swam club last season, but her return has given the Bison a large lift.

Rodriguez won and set meet records in both the 200 IM (2:11.90) and 100 fly (1:00.14). The senior and her sister Angela combined with Sara and Rose Fasching to lead the Bison to the opening victory in the 200 medley relay (1:58.23).

"She's picked up exactly where she left off after her sophomore year," said BG coach Tom Mroz of Erin's return. "She's the main reason why these kids are learning how to race. She's given them that drive."

Rodriguez finished her sparkling performance by combining with the Fasching sisters and Kathryn Emerson to take third in the 400 relay (3:53.64).

"I missed the whole camaraderie," said Rodriguez, who qualified for state both her freshman and sophomore year in the 200 IM and 500 freestyle. "This whole year is about having fun, and if we succeed along the way that's great."

McHenry's Courtney Matthys took first in the 100 breast (1:09.97) and second in the 200 IM (2:16.09).

Matthys also combined with Casey Meszaros, Haley Pritkin, and Sydney Trost to lead McHenry to third in the 200 medley relay (1:59.72).

"That was definitely my best time," said Matthys, who defeated Mundelein's Cassie Brueckbauer in the 100 breast. "I though she was going to beat me, but she ended up pushing me and that helped."

While Brueckbauer took second in the 100 breast, the junior took first in the 200 free (2:01.76).

"These are some of the fastest times I've had during a regular season," Brueckbauer said. "Hopefully I'll taper off nicely and finish the season strong."

The Mustangs' Taylor Reckert (233.95 points) and Becca Schmidt (207.80) went 1-2 in diving.

Also looking strong was Cary-Grove's Kim Kalenda, who won the 50 free (25.49) and 100 free (55.35). Kalenda also combined with Julie Oswald, Molly English, and Courtney Mega as the Trojans closed the meet by winning the 400 free relay (3:50.90).

"I train hard in the summer doing longer distances, so I can keep sprinting and keep it up," said Kalenda of her back-to-back victories in the sprint relays. "I'm feeling really strong right now."

Cortney Raymond took third in the 200 IM (2:23.75), while Melanie Battaglia (1:10.63) and Stephanie Nolan (1:11.20) went 3-4 in the 100 breast as St. Viator took sixth.

Kathryn Korff was second in both the 50 free (26.26) and 100 free (57.95), as host Hersey was seventh.

"This is more of a fun meet," said Korff, who is on track to make the state cut this year. "I'm kind of stuck at the low 26 right now in the 50, but I still have a lot of work to do to get to state."

Kelly Wilson, Michelle Schueler, Meg Dix, and Molly Nordyke combined to take second in the 200 free relay (1:46.23) as Prospect took eighth place.

Nordyke led a strong charge on the anchor leg, narrowly losing to Warren (1:45.79).

"Going into the water I saw her in front," said Nordyke, who has been concentrating on her turns. "Once I get my turns down, I go a little faster and that could make a difference in a relay like that."

Maine West finished ninth and Elk Grove 11th.