BG wins East battle against rival Hersey
Ever since there's been an East-West split in the Mid-Suburban League, the East Division boys swimming title has gone to Buffalo Grove all but two times.
Last year was one of those seasons, as the Bison saw the league crown go to Hersey.
In Friday's dual meeting between the East rivals, Buffalo Grove didn't take any chances.
The host Bison rode many 1-2 finishes on its way to a 126-59 win over the Huskies.
"Last season (losing our division) left a really sour taste," said Buffalo Grove coach Jamie Klotz. "They guys really committed themselves to swimming in the off-season. They've been pushing themselves."
However, it didn't look like it would be such a decisive BG win after the first race -- the 200-yard medley relay.
Both teams charged through the first relay and finished almost too close to call -- literally.
But not quite. By the narrowest margin the scoring system allows, BG's Daniel Karpiyevich, Steve Nikolov, Yegor Poustalov and Jeff Grossich touched out Hersey's John Poelking, Steve Austin, Tony Ponzo and Paul Miszczyszyn 1:54.68-1:54.69.
"Last year after losing to these guys in a pretty close meet it was great to come back an win it," said Grossich, who won the 200 IM in 2:16.10. "A lot of our guys have really been putting the extra hours in -- in the off-season especially. We were really pumped for this."
There was a another side to this meet. BG backstroker Mike Hausfeld crushed a finger under 300 pounds of weight before the meet and there was a lot of uncertainty during the meet in regards to the his prognosis. It turns out a few stitches a week's worth of recovery should have him back in time for the holiday break training frenzy.
Karpiyevich stepped up in the backstroke with a 59.15 win.
However, the Bison got back Adrian Sadkowski, who's been on deck with a few stitches in his forehead. It was a triumphant return.
Sadkowski edged Hersey's Ponzo 23.18-24.08 for a win and personal best in the 50 freestyle. In the butterfly, Sadkowski (57.39) was at it again to lead BG's 1-2 finish with Poustalov (59.61).
"Everybody swam pretty good," Sadkowski said. "I was out for a week and I'm glad I swam a good meet."
Sadkowski also contributed to BG wins in the free relays. He led off the 200 (1:38.75) with Brad Lotzer, Matt Cooney and Tom Galla and joined Lotzer, Grossich and Karpiyevich in the 400 (3:29.98).
Other Bison firsts came from Matt Block in the 200 (2:00.51), Lotzer in the 100 (52.52), Cooney in the 500 (5:23.62) and Nikolov in the breaststroke (1:12.04).
"(Buffalo Grove) really worked hard in the off-season and it showed," said Hersey coach Tod Schwager. "My hat's off to them."
Austin had a second-place swim for the Huskies in the breaststroke (1:15.04).
"Our kids swam well. It just shows how much better (BG) performed today. It's not that we had a bad day, they've just got that much depth. They deserve the credit."
Hersey's best event was diving, where Jeff Mitchem (156.80 points) and Tom Quaas (151.05) finished 1-2.
"Diving was a big plus -- they scored well today," Schwager said.
• Prospect's Charlie Mau had wins in the butterfly (56.7) and 200 free (1:56.47) to lead the Knights 115-68 East win over Rolling Meadows.
• Alan Sears won the 200 (2:04.66) and 500 (5:35.83) freestyles for Wheeling in a 117-68 win over Elk Grove.
• Brian Marko swam a 52.65 first for Barrington in the 100 free during a Broncos 111-74 win against Schaumburg.
• Conant diver Nicholas Rizza scored 201.35 points as the Cougars beat Hoffman Estates 115-70.