Boys Swimming: Wheeler, Bishop Noll take crowns

Updated: January 14, 2012 11:19PM

VALPARAISO — When Pam Armagast took hold of the Bishop Noll boys swim team, things were very different.

Three years ago, the coach stepped into a situation that included inexperience, a commute to GSSC rival Calumet to share its pool and a 15-year stretch without a conference title. But Armagast didn’t give up on Noll, and with their third straight GSSC meet win on Saturday the boys continue to reciprocate.

“If I’m going to be here, we’re going to win,” Armagast said following a 426-390 victory over host Wheeler. “These kids perform and have a lot of heart.”

Helping maintain the new tradition was the performance out of junior Anthony Repay. He was one of those inexperienced swimmers the last two years. Now his times continue to improve, returning from being 0.23 seconds off last year’s 100 breaststroke conference record for a time of 1:10.15 this year. He also was part of relay records in the 200 medley (1:50.04) and 400 free (3:41.62).

“It always feels good to beat someone at their house,” Repay said. “Knowing that you don’t have one; it’s no pool, no problem.”

The scenario at Noll is similar to that of the Wheeler girls. In all four years of coach Adam Klimczak’s tenure the Bearcats have won the GSSC meet, including Saturday’s 465-281 win over runner-up North Newton.

A difference for Klimczak, however, is that the program he entered was already strong. So as Wheeler’s success has elevated, including an 11-1 dual meet record with two more matches left, this year’s conference victory is a measuring point for the upcoming Chesterton sectional.

“We’re pushing toward sectionals and beyond,” said a soaked Klimczak, who was quickly doused with a Gatorade cooler and then pushed into the pool. “Everyone is swimming for their spot at sectional.”

This season’s Bearcats have been spurred by senior transfer Danielle Radosevich. The upperclassmen was part of conference records in the 200 Free Relay (1:46.77), 400 Free Relay (3:54.88) and the 100 Back (1:01.88).

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