Despite numerous key graduations from another state-trophy Lyons Township High School boys swimming and diving team, expectations really haven’t changed.
“There has been kind of this level these boys see LT swimming at,” LTHS coach Erin Rodriguez said. “Whenever someone graduates, there’s always boys ready to fill those spots and keep those standards for LT swimming where it’s been in the past. It’s always fun to see who wants to do that.”
Senior and University of Denver recruit Quinn Collins and junior diver Matt Adler are the lone returnees from the Lions’ large state group that earned third place at state (99 points) for the program’s sixth top-three state trophy and first since back-to-back state titles and second place from 2016-18.
Last season, Collins became the seventh LTHS swimmer to earn the maximum four top-six, first team all-state performances at one state meet.
Seniors Garrett Walls and Marko Trajanovski and sophomore Lachlan Gantt also return from the LTHS Sectional lineup that was second to state runner-up Hinsdale Central. Varsity newcomers include juniors Jack Dillon and Peter Smith and freshman distance freestyler Matthew Ferguson.
“They really want to be on the deck [at the state meet] this year,” Rodriguez said. “It’s kind of hard [predict] at the beginning of the season when you have so many new swimmers in the lineup, but it is really exciting.”
At state last year, Collins was sixth in the 100-yard backstroke (50.32) behind four graduated seniors after his second-place 51.10 at sectionals beat the 52.90 state cut.
Collins also excelled at state as the opening backstroke leg for the second-place 200 medley relay (1:31.49). He is the lone returnee from the third-place 200 free relay (1:23.62) and fourth-place 400 relay (3:06.24).
“He’s going to step up and be a leader in those [relays this season]. That’s for sure,” Rodriguez said of Collins. “He’s looking really good. He’s gotten faster in most of his events in the offseason.”
Adler should make significant strides with LTHS diving coach Julie McDermott after qualifying for state as a first-year diver and taking 23rd (203.30 points for 5 dives) following a sixth-place 425.25 for 11 dives at sectionals.
Adler already is roughly 40 points ahead of his 2021 scoring pace.
“He’s a phenomenal gymnast [as well] so his body awareness is great when he’s in the air,” Rodriguez said.
The Lions opened the season Dec. 2, losing at Glenbrook North 100-78. Event winners were Collins in the 100 back (54.64) and 200 individual medley (2:00.83), Smith (100 breaststroke in 1:08.56) and the 400 free relay of Trajanovski, Smith, Gantt and Collins (3:26.32).
