New Trier Upends Evanston in 100th Rivalry Dual Meet

Photo Courtesy: Lynn Trautmann, LTPhoto

By Michael J. Stott.

On a celebratory evening marking the oldest continuous high school swimming rivalry in the nation visiting New Trier bested host Evanston Township, 106-80. With the victory the Trevians, defending Illinois high school state champions, moved their all time mark against the Wildkits to 63-36-1.

“While almost all the races were close unfortunately the score wasn’t as close,” said Evanston coach Kevin Auger, who has participated in this Chicago North Shore annual throwdown since 1997. New Trier capitalized on narrow wins in the 200 medley and 400 free relays while outpacing the Wildkits in individual events 7 to 2.

The Trevian medley quartet of Nick Torre, Red Ricciardi, Matt Gibson and Pearce Bailey posted a 1:40.98 to begin the proceedings. The visitors barely nudged the Wildkits foursome of Charlie Herrick, Charlie Duffy, Zack Andalman and Rafael de Gouvea (1:41.63). Evanston led after the first two swimmers until Gibson passed Andalman on the fly (24.33 to 25.52) to assume the lead, 1:19.33 to 1:20.09. Pearce’s 21.65 was enough to hold off the hard charging de Gouvea (21.54).

Photo Courtesy: Lynn Trautmann, LTPhoto

COMPLETE RESULTS

Multiple winners on the night were New Trier’s Bailey in the first relay and the 50 (22.08) and 100 free (48.55); Gibson in the 200 medley relay, 100 fly (54.00) and 100 back (56.12); Torre, back in the medley relay (26.74), anchor 400 free relay (50.01); Topher Shepherd, 200 IM (2:03.62) and 400 free relay (50.29). Other Trevian first place finishers were Sam Dienstag in the 200 free (1:50.42) and Sam Brown in the 100 breast (1:02.51).

Evanston divers Trevor Nelson (269.95) and Henry Goodman (262.60) outperformed New Trier to go 1-2 on the 1 meter board. Wildkit distance ace Brendon Long capped a gutsy final 50 (28.14) to pass Shepherd (29.15) in the 500 free and notch the win 4:59.51 to 4:59.62. Evanston’s 200 free relay surged to the front on the third leg when Santiago Ramos-Torrescano registered a 21.76 to pass the Trevians Marc Hagist (22.76) to seal the win.

In the night’s final event New Trier narrowly led wire-to-wire. New Trier’s leadoff swimmer Rishi Nair swam a 51.67 to outpace Aaron Martin (51.68). The visitors followed with Marc Hagist, Shepherd and Torre in 3:23.23. Evanston’s John V. Martin, Long and Ramos Torrescano closed in a game 3:24.51.

Recent history has favored the Trevians who have won the last 14 contests and are 17-1-1 since 2001. New Trier has won 8 state championships in the period as well as NISCA national public school (2009 – 2012) and Swimming World mythical titles (2007, 2012). Evanston’s last state championships came in 2001 (national public school crown as well) and 2005. Historically New Trier has won 24 boys state crowns had 19 seconds and nine thirds. Evanston has seven titles, nine seconds and 13 thirds to its credit.

Among the night’s interested onlookers was former Wildkit swimmer Patrick Burton. The youngest of five children of legendary Evanston coach Dobbie Burton, Patrick summed up the evening for many in attendance when he said, “What an incredible evening of remembrance and intense competition. Just like the old days. The tradition continues!!!! This is the terrific part of Life!!!”

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Anonymous

5 years ago

Wow! That must of been amazing just to be there. This really is the greatest rivalry in high school sports anywhere. I graduated from NT in the Dave Robertson era. I know that is ancient history but the memories are still strong. Go Trevs. 100 is really magical, too. Job well done champs.
AWF Class of ’63