Host New Trier Earns Illinois State High School Crown

By Brian Savard

WINNETKA, Illinois, March 2. ILLINOIS state meet host New Trier swept all three relays on its way to being crowned state high school champions. Glenbrook South racked up 129 points over the weekend to place second and the two Naperville, Ill., schools (Neuqua Valley and North) tied for third with 108 points apiece.

New Trier's relay crew of Will Vodak, Joe Welnhofer, Sam Metz and Ben Wampler started off the meet with a 1:35.11 finish to capture the 200 medley. A near miss occurred as the New Trier 200 freestyle relay (Stephen Pendleton, Michael Wilson, Welnhofer and Wampler) fell short of the state record with a formidable time of 1:23.41. With the meet already in hand, the New Trier men still posted the top time of 3:06.10 in the 400 freestyle relay with Pendleton, Wampler, Mike Dominski and Will Vodak.

Chris Peterson of North (St. Charles, Ill.) outshined his competition in the longer-distance freestyle events. Peterson posted winning times in the 200 freestyle (1:39.74) and the 500 freestyle (4:34.40). Peterson has signed a national letter of intent to swim for the University of Minnesota next year.

Neuqua Valley junior Brian Alden uncorked a 20.14 swim in the 50 freestyle and a 44.86 in the 100 freestyle. Both times put him well in front of the competition. Brett Lullo of Naperville Central eked out victories in both the 200 I.M. (1:50.57) and the 100 butterfly (49.57)

Other event winners included Colin Cordes of Glenbrook South in the 100 backstroke (51.47) and University of Michigan bound St. Patrick senior James Ridgeway in the 100 breaststroke (56.52).

Wes Villaflor from Glenbrook South wrapped up a state diving title with 483.70 points. Jordan Dyson of Hinsdale South squeaked by Byron's Phillip Devine with a score of 455.86-454.40. The men took second and third, respectively.

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