Palos Heights, IL (February 7, 2011) - The Varsity Swim/Dive team became two-time SSC Red Division Champions by narrowly defeating the Shepard Astros in their home pool on Saturday. The win marks the team’s first Varsity championship since 2007. The Rams led the way with 282 points, followed by Shepard (273), Richards (224), Evergreen Park (176), Argo (131), Oak Lawn (102), and Eisenhower (97).
First-year divers Tony Brcic (4th) and Cody Karanosky (6th) earned important points to open the meet on Friday night. On Saturday, the medley relay of Rafael Ortiz, Brandon Hines, Sebastian Mysliwiec, and Aaron Hernandez set the tone for the entire meet by bringing home the championship in the first swimming event. Marcin Tyrala (5th) and Matt Tylka (6th) earned 19 points in the 200 free followed by the one-two punch of Mysliwiec (1st) and Hines (2nd) in the 200 individual medley. Mysliwiec’s impressive 2:11.28 set a personal best time and was considered the top time-drop of the meet. In the 50 freestyle, Hernandez placed 3rdwith Isaac Wheadon scoring 7 points with the 7thplace finish.
Following the break, the 100 butterfly event brought more key time drops with Tylka (3rd) and Ortiz (4th) leading the way. Wheadon (6th) and Slomba (7th) earned 16 points in the 100 freestyle while Hernandez (2nd) and Tyrala (5th) solidified the 500 free. Next, the 200 free relay of Slomba, Tylka, Tyrala, and Wheadon took 5thin the 200 free relay. With the meet too close to call at that point, a strong stretch-run brought home the victory for the Rams. Rafael Ortiz was crowned champion in the 100 backstroke and Tommy Nguyen (5th) added 10 points. The Rams sealed the victory with a second one-two punch by Conference champion Hines and Mysliwiec (2nd) in the 100 breast. A clean second place finish by the 400 free relay of Hernandez, Wheadon, Myslwiec, and Hines ended the meet.
During an interview with the Southtown Star, Brandon Hines was asked about his preparation for what would become a Conference championship. Hines responded, “I was just thinking that I had to keep doing what I’ve been doing all year. Everything would work out in the end. I think we’re in a great spot (heading into sectionals).”
Congratulations on an excellent season of hard work and dedication. Reavis is proud of your accomplishments!
To check out the SouthtownStar article on the Rams' victory, click here!
The J/V team placed 3rdbehind Richards and Shepard at the Conference meet on Saturday. Many J/V swimmers experienced nice time drops in their final meet of the season. Mike Ustupski began the scoring with a second place finish in diving Friday night. Top finishers included Rafal Slomba, Chris Taraszka, Bart Tylka, and Brian Ludwikowsi, 3rd in the 200 medley relay; Mike Pachura, 6thin the 200 free; Taraszka, 5thin the 200 IM; Ludwikowski, 2ndin the 50 free; Tylka, Conference champion in the 100 fly; Mahmoud Othman, 2ndin the 100 fly; Pachura, 6thin the 500 free; Ludwikowski, Nader Maali, Tylka and Slomba, 3rdin the 200 free relay; Slomba, 3rdin the 100 back; and Stan Baraniak, Ludwikowski, Tylka, and Slomba, 3rdin the 400 free relay. Congratulations to all J/V swimmers on a job well-done this season.