Hersey’s Roznai rebounds; Conant takes second

Hersey swimmer Alex Roznai picked a great day for his best-ever performance in the 100-yard butterfly.

The senior shook off a disappointing result at last week’s Mid-Suburban League championship meet to win the race at Saturday’s Glenbrook North sectional in 52.30.

Roznai moves on to next weekend’s state finals at Evanston.

“Last week I was tense — I couldn’t relax,” said Roznai of his sixth-place finish in the MSL championships. “I felt loose today and I was able to hold on over the last 10 yards.”

Huskies coach Dick Mortensen was more than excited over the senior’s effort.

“Alex swam great today,” said Mortensen. “He already owned the school record, and he shaved about two seconds off his time. I can’t wait until next week.”

Conant, which finished second in the team race behind Glenbrook South, received an oustanding performance from sophomore Alex Shozda.

Shozda won the 100 freestyle in a time of 46.65 to move on to state.

“This might have been the most painful swim I’ve ever had,” said the sophomore. “I basically muscled through it. The last 25 just killed.”

Shozda, who said he was excited about performing next week at Evanston, didn’t prepare any differently for the sectional than he would for any other meet.

“I’m kind of laid back,” said the sophomore, “and I try to think about other things until I get up on the block. At that point, I turn into a racer — I don’t like to lose.”

Three Conant relay teams — the 200 medley and both freestyles — qualified advanced to keep alive the Cougars’ hopes of solid placement at the state meet.

Conant sophomore Martin Pozniak will move on after winning the 100 backstroke in 51.71. He’ll be joined at state by teammates Alan Wojciechowski (2nd in the 100 fly) and Brandon Grzegorek (3rd in the 100 breastroke).

Cougars junior Jonathon Burke was a double winner, taking top honors in the 200 and 500 freestyles.

Burke’s time of 4.37:09 in the 500 shattered the Glenbrook North pool record by almost 3 seconds.

“I knew a lot of swimmers would be dropping times in the 500,” said Burke, “and I also knew there would be more competition than usual — but I was pretty confident.”

Maine West junior Brian Wasicak won the 100-yard breastroke to advance to state for a second straight year in the event.