Wildcats' Glick takes to training like fish to water

In high school football, two-a-day practices are a staple of the first week of practice.

In swimming, two-a-day practices are reality for the entire season. Swimming is arguably the sport where the most practice time is logged for the least amount of competition time.

As a result, it helps to enjoy the process. And this is certainly true in the case of Libertyville senior Ben Glick.

"I'm a better practice swimmer than race swimmer; my favorite part is the training," Glick said. "When you've finished a (practice) it's a real satisfying feeling."

Glick does not back down from any training challenge.

"I'll give him the hardest set in the world and he'll look at you and ask, 'What's next?'", said first-year Wildcats coach Kevin Zakrzewski. "I've learned there's nothing he won't try as far as training. He'll give you everything he has every time. He has a great heart for the sport."

For three consecutive years, Glick has qualified for the IHSA state meet in the 200- and 500-yard freestyle events. As a junior, he was part of a Libertyville 400-freestyle relay (3:11) that set a school record. This season, he has a chance to set school records in the 200- and 500-freestyles.

After the season ends, Glick does not have to worry about where he will be continuing his swimming career. He will compete next year for Division III power Denison University in Granville, Ohio.

"The program is insanely intense and that was a draw to me," Glick said.

That's one reason Glick has clicked quickly with Zakrzewski, a Stevenson graduate who swam at this summer's U.S. Olympic Trials.

"He's real intense about technique and he's given me ideas how to improve, E2 Glick said.

Zakrzewski said Glick already is making progress.

"He's pretty powerful, but his biggest weakness is that occasionally he'll fight his way through the water," Zakrzewski said. "One thing we're working on is for him to feel the water better and for him to be more fluid. Then he doesn't have to work as hard to be fast."

Despite three appearances at the state meet, Glick has not gone fast enough for a second swim. This year, he'd like to finish in the top six in his main events.

Of course, that will take a lot of work, a word Glick is quite comfortable with.