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Sports

Central Swimmers Hope For State Repeat

Redhawks expect a stiff challenge from New Trier in their quest for a second straight boys swimming state crown.

Despite being the defending state champions, Naperville Central’s boys swimming team has heard all season that powerhouse New Trier is the team to beat at the state meet this weekend.

Starting Friday in the Trevians’ home pool in Winnetka, New Trier will be looking for its fifth state title since 2004 and 21st overall, while the Redhawks have slid under the radar, despite currently holding the title.

“Everyone’s saying New Trier, but I think we possibly have a shot at them next week if we can get some good swims in,” Central junior Sean Lehane said. “Our team goal is top-three, but of course we’d like to win it.”

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Central coach Mike Adams has been at this long enough to know that predictions are meaningless heading into the state meet. Every team has different tapering schedules and goals leading up to state. His message to the team is simple.

“We just have to get out there and go,” Adams said. “We can’t worry about this team or that team. If you worry about that, you’ll just drive yourself crazy. We have to worry about ourselves. That’s all we can do.”

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Of course, Central has a different looking team than the one that squeaked out its first boys swimming title last year. Central, Neuqua Valley and New Trier were separated by only five points at the top of the standings last year, with Naperville North a distant fourth.

The dynamic foursome of Mark Menis, Matt O’Brien, Keith Piper and Danny Tucker are gone, taking their state titles in the 200 and 400 free relays with them. The Redhawks have had to rebuild those relay teams this season. Pat May and Jeff Depew were the constants on both units while helping Central win a sectional title Saturday.

In the 400, Lehane and Tony Zhang also were in the mix Saturday. Naperville North edged the Redhawks for the second straight week for the title, however.

“I want to compare (this team and last year’s team), but they’re completely different teams to be honest,” Depew said. “Before the 400 free relay, I said, ‘Let’s start a new era. Those four aren’t here. We have to make a name for ourselves.’ We can’t be looking at last year. We have to look at this year now.”

In addition to Central’s run to a potential repeat team title, Neuqua senior Kevin Cordes will be in the spotlight this weekend as well. Cordes is looking at a showdown with Peoria Richwoods senior Matt Elliott in the 100 breaststroke, the young man who beat him for the title last year.

Coming into the state meet, Elliot is on top with a dominant qualifying time of 54.50, but Cordes is in second with Saturday’s 56.07.

“I’m definitely anxious for it,” Cordes said. “We talk to each other sometimes, but not that much. No trash talk, though.”

Depew should have his own Elliott showdown to face, his in the 200 IM. Elliott is the top seed with Depew third.

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