Scouting the Vernon Hills boys swimming team
Vernon Hills CougarsCoach: Jim Pardun (3rd season)
Top returning swimmers: Edward Zhao, soph., (100, back), Ethan Phua, sr., (IM, breast), Arjuna Vimalarajah, sr., (fly), Kevin Schumacher, sr., (diving)
Top new swimmers: Daniel Berke, fresh., Will Rendall, fresh.
Outlook: Zhao, Phua and Vimalarajah are returning all-Central Suburban swimmers. "We are a young varsity team with a lot of speed and talent," Pardun said. "These guys are competitive with each other and they are hungry to compete with other teams in and around our conference. We have four strong senior captains who made solid gains during the offseason to keep our guys together away from the pool and it's paying off. Our upperclassmen are teaching the young guys proper weightlifting techniques, and our upperclassmen love to race in the pool. All these guys work hard in the weight room, swim fast in practice and understand how to balance academic studies with athletics." Pardun said the Cougars' medley relay is tight and the 400 relay "will put the hammer down," he said. "The guys continue to fight for spots on the 200 relay, so we will see how that shapes up as the season progresses." Three other names to keep an eye on are Andrew Laborevitch, Eli Spivak and Aidan Kamai. "Andrew is taller, faster and stronger," Pardun said. "This kid is an IM machine who doesn't have a weak stroke. He can swim any event and swim it well. Eli has shown incredible growth from his offseason training and brings out the competitive edge of his teammates. This kid is going places. The best is yet to come. Aidan is fearless and doesn't overthink things. He's fun, tough as nails and never backs down from a challenge or a race. He's much stronger in the water this year compared to last and is just now hitting his stride in the sport." Pardun said team chemistry also is on Vernon Hills' side. "Our upperclassmen are strong leaders and they continue to take our younger guys under their wing as they continue to adjust to the challenges that high school has to offer," he said. "Our younger swimmers are a hardworking group of guys that has been swimming for years growing up. The two groups are meshing well together." Pardun sees the CSL North up for grabs, "as we have many evenly matched teams who are well-coached," he said. "Highland Park and Deerfield always come out swinging hard and Niles North has a core group of swimmers that loves to race. It should be fun to watch as the season progresses, but even more fun to be in the fight."