Warren's Conway twins perform beyond their years

Fraternal twins Danny Conway and Sean Conway don't approach swimming like typical freshmen.

"They really have a sense that this is a longer-term process," said Warren coach Andrew Kittrell. "You can see they're thinking down the road and have a four-year plan in mind."

This makes sense because the times they post are anything but freshman-like.

The Conway brothers and their Warren teammates will compete at 1 p.m. Saturday in the North Suburban Conference meet at Stevenson.

Danny Conway, who was the 13-14 age-group state champion in the mile, placed second in the 500-yard freestyle (4:54.65) at the Lake County Meet in late December. He was also third in the 200-individual medley (2:05.24).

Sean Conway earned a pair of sixth-place finishes in the same meet. His personal bests for Warren this season are 23.5 in the 50-freestyle and 51.1 in the 100-freestyle.

The brothers credit Warren's senior class for easing their transition to varsity.

"Our teammates have done a wonderful job of telling us what will happen during the high school season," Sean Conway said.

Danny Conway has always gravitated toward distance swimming, while Sean Conway is a sprinter.

"Danny has an incredible ability to focus all the way through a race," Kittrell said. "Sean is more aggressive, while Danny will wear you down."

Distance swimming plays into Danny Conway's mental toughness.

"It takes that edge to say I'll get through this," he said.

He is confident that a good taper could lead to some personal bests over the next couple of weeks.

"I know what I need to do and there's almost no doubt in my mind I'll get a sectional cut," he said. "I've worked hard for it and I'm prepared."

At 6-feet-2, 175 pounds, Sean Conway has the body of a sprinter.

"I have fast-twitch muscle fibers and the short distance just comes naturally for me," he said.

Sean Conway swims the anchor leg on the Blue Devils' 200- and 400-yard freestyle relays.

"I said to him after the second meet of the season that he would be the guy to anchor our relays," Kittrell said. "He rises to the occasion."

The twins push each other in practice, which prevents either one from letting up. Next year, there will be even more competition when their younger brother, Matt, joins the varsity.

"When we're racing in practice, we both want to beat each other," Sean Conway said. "It's a great source of competition and helps us pull through the tough practices."

Stevenson's second shot: Lake Forest was the only team that stood in the way of an undefeated dual-meet record for Stevenson.

Stevenson battled hard but lost by 4 points in a close dual near the end of the regular season.

"Lake Forest had depth, but we have a lot of depth as well," said Stevenson coach Greg Hartman.

Hartman believes this could be a breakthrough meet for senior Owen Yang in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle events.

"He's had some good times and we'll see what he's truly capable of this weekend," Hartman said.

Third to be decided: Mundelein, Libertyville and Warren finished the regular season in a three-way tie for third.

Sole possession of third place will be on the line Saturday.

"It's not the same as winning conference, but it certainly adds a little something to the meet," said Mundelein coach Rahul Sethna.

Mundelein was part of the three-way tie by defeating Libertyville for the first time since 1998. The Mustangs have picked up points in diving all year and will need another big performance from Lake County Meet champion David Rieck, a junior, and sophomores Connor Hartnett and Scott Marthinsen.

Libertyville will again be led by senior Ben Glick and junior Chris Marr, but an important swimmer to watch is sophomore Ben Snader in the 100-butterfly and 100-breaststroke.

"He's one of the strongest guys on the team," said Wildcats coach Kevin Zakrzewski. "When he gets any sort of rest it can make dramatic dividends."

Lenz to lead Vernon Hills: Since a strong performance at the Lake County Meet, sophomore Kevin Lenz has focused a lot on his turns.

Lenz will swim the 50-freestyle, 100-breaststroke and two relays. Lenz holds the school record in the 100-breaststroke (1:03.85).

The Cougars also have high hopes for their three relays.

"We're hoping to break the school record in all three relays," said Cougars coach Kedric Greenawalt.