BOYS SWIMMING: Fitts, Stevenson dominate at own sectional
By Bob Gosman Contributor February 18, 2012 11:56PM
Stevenson's Patrick Galas (left) and teammate Ryota Kuwahara congratulate each other after getting their awards for the 200 free at Saturday's sectional. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: March 24, 2012 8:15AM
Stevenson High School senior Langston Fitts sometimes trains in the summer with University of Iowa swimmer Duncan Partridge, a 2008 SHS graduate who set the school record in the 50-yard freestyle and 100 freestyle.
Naturally, talk of records come up from time to time. Fitts has had Partridge’s records (20.59 and 46.07, respectively) in sight, and he’s fractions of a second from reaching his goal.
Fitts’ performance at the Stevenson Sectional on Saturday helped the Patriots dominate the one of the state’s deepest sectional fields. Stevenson (287 points) finished more than 100 points (185.50) ahead of second-place Barrington. Fitts will lead a strong contingent of Patriots to the IHSA state meet, to be held at Evanston High School Friday and Saturday.
Without the benefit of any taper, Fitts won the 50 free (21.19) and 100 free (46.23).
As a freshman, Fitts was a distance swimmer for Stevenson, and he competed in the 500 freestyle. By the time he was a junior, he focused on the 100 free and 200 free, before transitioning exclusively to sprinting this season.
“You only have to swim 10 percent of the 500 freestyle, which is really nice,” he said with a smile. “I didn’t see the 50 freestyle coming this year. At first I was on the fence about it, but now I really like it. You need a good balance of technique and power. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get the record this week.”
Stevenson coach Greg Hartman said Fitts has made a seamless transition to the shorter races. He first thought about using Fitts in the 50 free because the Patriots had a surplus of depth in the 200 free.
“He was the first guy that came to mind because his strength is becoming a big factor,” Hartman said. “He can ride real high in the water. He’s very athletic, and that’s really an advantage for him getting off the starting blocks.”
‘Great performance’: Fitts was far from the only senior to shine for the Patriots.
“This was the last home meet for them, and they were not going to be denied a final great performance,” Hartman said. “This group has been part of four conference championships, and now a second sectional championship.”
Senior Chris Hodges placed second in the 100 breaststroke (59.54), just in back of Buffalo Grove’s Ian Rodriguez (59.45). In the process, he surpassed the oldest record in Stevenson swimming history. The previous best was 59.8, set 25 years ago.
“Chris is now the best breaststroker in Stevenson history,” Hartman said.
Hodges also qualified in the 200 individual medley, placing third in 1:55.79.
Junior Patrick Galas qualified in the 200 freestyle (1:45.04), finishing fourth.
“I’ve been swimming with him since all the way back at the park district,” Fitts said. “He’s been improving by leaps and bounds. It was cool to see him come through on the big stage.”
It was Galas’ personal best by more than three seconds.
“I felt really good in practice during the week,” Galas said. “It’s a fun event. I like to keep up with people and then (go for it) on the third 50.”
Senior Ryota Kuwahara finished just ahead of Galas, finishing third (1:44.50). Kuwahara also advanced in the 100 backstroke (52.7), finishing second. Freshman Allen Feng (53.73) finished third in 100 backstroke to advance, and senior Daniel Shtivelberg placed fourth (48.07) to also qualify for the state meet.
Relays rule: Stevenson’s 200 freestyle relay (Kuwahara, Hodges, Shtivelberg and Fitts) placed first (1:26.12), finishing 10ths of a second off the school record. The 400 freestyle, featuring the same cast, also was first (3:12.63).
“We always hang our hat on the 400 freestyle at Stevenson,” Hartman said. “We think that one should go pretty far.”
Dynamite dives: Stevenson junior James Lichtenstein established an 11-dive school record (442.40) on his way to the sectional title. Freshman Blake Ripes was impressive as well, and placed second.
“Blake would put up a score and then James would put one up,” Hartman said. “They were challenging each other the whole day.”
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