Cougars' Schock surges back, but Patriots too tough

Vernon Hills junior Mike Schock reintroduced himself to the upper echelon of varsity swimming Thursday in a North Suburban Conference home dual meet against Stevenson.

"He became Mike Schock again today," said Cougars coach Kedric Greenawalt.

Shock's first-place finish in the 100-butterfly was a high point for Vernon Hills (55 points) in a meet dominated by Stevenson (131 points).

What did Greenawalt say to Schock (59.59) after watching him nip Stevenson's Eric Shtivelberg (59.69)?

"I told him, 'welcome back,' " Greenawalt said. "He's been at a disadvantage and it's good to see him swimming the way he did."

Schock missed the first part of the season with mononucleosis. As a result, it's taken him awhile to regain his form. In addition to his performance in the 100-butterfly, he also swam on three relays.

"I'm getting back into shape and I was hoping to go under a minute," Schock said. "It's a milestone that I did last year, but it was just one time at the very end of the season."

This meet should serve as a springboard for Schock.

"He's been working hard and his body is responding," Greenawalt said. "This was his breakthrough meet."

Sophomore teammate Kevin Lenz (23.41) caught Stevenson's Owen Yang for a close victory in the 50 freestyle.

"Instead of taking a breath, I just swam the final 5 yards," Lenz said. "I knew he was right next to me."

In addition to the 50 freestyle, Lenz placed first in the 100 breaststroke (1:04.49).

"He's our most talented guy," Greenawalt said.

For Stevenson, Yang came through in first in the 100 freestyle (53.05).

"I stayed right next to (Vernon Hills' Brynan Qiu) for about 75 yards and broke free the final 25 yards," Yang said.

Stevenson senior Keli Liu was first in the 200 individual medley (2:07.82).

"Usually I'm really tired when I go from the butterfly to the backstroke, but today I was able to push through that," Liu said.

Added Stevenson coach Greg Hartman: "He's done nothing but improve all season."

Stevenson freshman Ryota Kuwahara (5:00.99) won by almost 11 seconds in the 500 freestyle.

"He's definitely our butterfly (swimmer), but his primary event is whatever we put him in," Hartman said with a smile. "He can swim everything. He's a talented young man. He leads by example and a lot of people gravitate toward that."

Chris Hodges (59.40) won the 100 backstroke by almost five seconds. Junior diver Matt Stiefel (212.8) finished more than 52 points clear of his nearest competitor.

Stevenson competes Saturday at New Trier's Trevian Relays.

"We had a lot of season-best times and this sets us up for a strong weekend," Hartman said. "The boys are looking forward to competing against some of the best teams in the state."