Vikes closing in on perfect dual record
A meet between two of the area's traditionally stronger boys swimming programs delivered the usual high standard of performance Tuesday as Fremd traveled to Libertyville for a nonconference meet.
The numbers favored the senior-dominated Vikings this time around, and they delivered a 118-68 victory over the Wildcats in a loud, emotionally charged contest.
The win puts Fremd within one more victory of an unbeaten dual season - the Vikings face Hoffman Estates in their final dual Friday.
"Overall, it was good," Fremd coach Nicole LaBeau said of her team's performance. "There were maybe a few things I'd like to change, but it'll work."
Key to the Vikings' victory was the effort of senior Varun Shivakumar, who led off the victorious medley relay and then was idle until the end of the meet, when he competed in three of the final five races - the 500 free (he won in 4:53.88), the 100 back (he won in 54.64) and a leg on the 400 freestyle relay (Fremd won in 3:20.45).
That kind of sequence might seem like punishment to some, but Shivakumar is used to it - in fact, he swam both the 500 and the 100 backstroke in the state meet his sophomore year. Might that tandem be in his future again?
"We'll see what happens," said LaBeau. "Nothing is settled."
Another key Fremd senior, Sam Childs, won the 200 free (1:49.86) and the 100 free (49.88) and anchored the winning 200 free and 400 free relays. Other Vikings winners included Evan Ruggiero (diving), Dustin Anderson (50 free) and Mike Freeman (100 breaststroke).
Libertyville coach Kevin Zakrzewski had plenty to be happy about, too. While the Wildcats don't have the depth to keep pace with Fremd, virtually every varsity race was keenly contested.
"We had kids step up and swim pretty well today," Zakrzewski said. "We tried something different - I needed to see my guys be a little more fired up, to be a little more focused with their aggression. I think they were."
Senior Ben Glick, a co-captain along with Andrew Tillman, delivered his customary strong races. He won the 200 IM in 2:01.40, nearly a length ahead of his nearest competitor, and the 100 fly in 54.47.
"He's just got great character, and it really helps having a captain like him," Zakrzewski said. "You know what you're going to get with him, and he really sets a tone for our team."
Zakrzewski was perhaps most impressed with the continued progression of Chris Marr, who placed second in the 200 free in 1:50.39.
Marr is also a standout cross country and track competitor, but he sure looked like a polished swimmer Tuesday.
"Swimming's not his 'A' or even his 'B' sport, it's his 'C' sport," Zakrzewski said. "It's just scary to think about how good he can be."