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East takes the battle of L-Ways
Updated: September 13, 2011 8:42PM
A four-year swimmer at Lincoln-Way East, Sloane McDermott has been through the dog days of the swim season.
The countless hours and laps in the pool, learning to swim tired as times drop, McDermott has been there.
For a meet such as Tuesday’s triangular, which brought Lincoln-Way Central, Lincoln-Way East and Lincoln-Way North together, there was no problem getting up for these races.
“It’s always an exciting meet, and we always do really well,” McDermott said. “It’s fun to see friends from other schools, and it is always good competition. It definitely fuels you.”
In the District 210 rivalry, East prevailed in a back-and-forth battle, totaling 127 points to host North’s 123 points. Central finished with 74 points.
McDermott led the way for East, winning the 200-yard individual medley (2 minutes, 16.10 seconds) and the 100 backstroke (1:09.55). Her time in the backstroke already is under the state-qualifying time with the state meet two months away.
“I’m feeling really good,” McDermott said. “I swam really well today. I’m still tired from working hard and hoping to do better.”
Other winners for the Griffins included Taylor Jach in the 200 freestyle (1:59.05) and the 200 free relay team (1:42.79).
For Lincoln-Way North, Cheyenne DeGraff continued her hot start to the season, taking down two school records. The junior won the 50 free (24.66 seconds) and the 500 free (5:13.55).
“Cheyenne is right on schedule where she’s supposed to be,” North coach Kendra Will said. “She’s a very good swimmer, so she’s used to breaking the records.
“With three of the Lincoln Ways at one meet, the adrenaline is pumping more.”
Megan Wortel held the previous North record in the 50 free (25.14) while DeGraff held the old mark in the 500 free (5:14.16).
The 200 medley relay (1:53.52), Megan Wortel in the 100 free (56.34), Elyse Pratl in the 100 breaststroke (1:09.55) and the 400 free relay (3:42.83) all were first-place finishers for North.
“This was a great meet to have the girls excited for,” Will said. “They’re all friends having swam together at some point, and we had some great races.”
For Lincoln-Way Central, winners included diver Gabriele Dokianos (181.55 points) and Danijela Jackovich in the 100 butterfly (59.87).
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