Noah Wood eyes state

Updated: January 17, 2012 6:36PM

Noah Wood of Naperville Central isn’t concentrating on qualifying for state. He figures that if he stays focused and keeps swimming his best times, making it to state will take care of itself.

Wood, a junior, and one of several Redhawks who are stepping up to fill the void left by the graduation of numerous qualifiers from last year’s second place at state team, has made steady improvement throughout the season.

In recent weeks Wood has really come along as a racer in the distance freestyle events.

“Noah’s training regimen has improved this season,” said Naperville Central coach Mike Adams. “And he’s mentally tougher than he was a year ago, so he’s racing well when he’s tired. He’s now able to dig down and find that something extra.”

“The past couple of weeks I’ve been swimming my best in-season times ever,” said Wood. “And I believe that’s because I’m putting in the training, stepping up on some sets.”

Wood has been trying to swim the 200 and 500 more strategically and the shift in his approach has him within several seconds of the state cut in both races.

“I’m taking a page from Sean Lehane,” Wood said. “I’m trying to back-half some races. I’m taking out the races a little easier and working on speed in the back half. The times I’ve been putting up are a real confidence-booster. I’m about three seconds away from the state cut in the 200 and about four seconds away in the 500. These are good times for this time of the season.”

Wood believes the challenge of replacing the graduated seniors has been a motivating factor for this year’s Redhawks, who return only two state scorers, Lehane and Nate Weeks.

“The spots that are open have given us all an opportunity to swim in big meets,” Wood said. “Connor Lamb, Pat Van Duerm and Neal Hosper have all responded to the challenge. We have a lot of talented guys and it will be interesting to see where we end up.”

In the recent Hinsdale South College Events Meet, which the Redhawks won, Wood finished second in the 200 freestyle and third in the 200 backstroke. And he was on the winning 800 freestyle relay team.

At last weekend’s Sandburg meet, Naperville Central finished third of 14 teams, and Wood was second in the 500 free and third in the 200 free. He was also a member of the 200 medley and 400 freestyle relay teams both of which finished second.

Mike McWhirter of Waubonsie Valley is doing everything he can to make it through this swimming season though he’s been hampered throughout the year by a back injury.

Last week, the Warriors junior won the 50 freestyle in a dual meet against Lake Park, which encourages him that he’s on track for state qualification.

He’s been bothered by the pain in his back, which his Warriors coach Nick Arens describes as a muscle and nerve injury, for more than a year.

“I don’t know how the injury happened,” said McWhirter. “I’m doing lower back and leg exercises and I’m in physical therapy. But if it starts to hurt at practice I have to get out of the pool and stretch.”

According to Arens, McWhirter would be a candidate to qualify for state in both the 50 and the 100, but the swimmer, although he’s hopeful, said the longer race causes more pain and he’s not sure he can swim the 100 at that level.

“Mike is a naturally talented athlete,” said Arens. “And he’s really developing as a swimmer. He’s only .08 from the state cut in the 50 free. He’s also an important member of our 200 freestyle relay. I’m pleased to see the progress he’s made in spite of the restriction. He’s shown a lot of toughness and character this year with his ability to swim while he’s injured.”

While everyone is hopeful that a summer of rest will help the condition, McWhirter is also an outstanding water polo player who will segue into that sport when the swimming season ends.

“I’m planning on doing a lot of strength training over the summer,” said McWhirter. “And, hopefully that will help me for my senior year.”

Naperville North junior Sam Hiller is moving into the elite group of 100 backstrokers in the state.

He now has the 22nd best time in state and his coach Andy McWhirter is confident Hiller can continue to improve and advance into the top twelve.

“He’s moving up fast on the leading group,” McWhirter said. “Sam puts a lot of work in at every practice. I think he can drop significant time and make the top twelve in the backstroke. And he’s versatile. We can drop him into the 200 IM or the 100 breaststroke and he produces. He’s also an excellent team-leader as a junior.”

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