Loyola swimmers inspired by ailing teammate

Updated: March 22, 2011 4:54PM

Who finishes first, second or third became much less important for the Loyola boys swimming team this season.

For nearly two months, the team's thoughts have been on Patrick Stein.

The senior suffered a brain aneurysm in October and has been

recovering at Northwestern Medical in downtown Chicago.

Loyola coach Dennis Stonequist said Stein, who has two younger sisters at the school, is serving as an inspiration for the Ramblers.

"We are swimming for something bigger than ourselves," the coach said. "This is a life lesson that kids usually don't have to deal with.

"There's no book on this one. It's not fair. We are looking forward to having him back real soon."

Stein's been with the program for four years and is a captain this

season. Stonequist saw Stein as one of his best freestylers.

"He's been a huge influence on the program, and I hope he will

continue to be one," said Stonequist, who reported last week that

Stein still isn't talking, only communicating with eye movements.

"This puts it all in perspective. It's really a slap in the face and

reminds you that it's not all about winning.

"But he would say that we need to moving ahead."

Andrew Jovanovic headlines Loyola's lineup. The sophomore swam two

events in the state finals last season. He finished fourth in the

50-yard freestyle and fifth in the 100 butterfly.

Jovanovic also is among one of three back who swam on state-finalist

relays. He was on both the 200 and 400 free relays that finished

fifth.

"He's such a talent," said Stonequist, who recently guided the girls

team to arguably the best-ever season in the program's history. "I

don't think I've helped him talent-wise. But he now has a passion for

swimming for his teammates, and that can make you go fast.

"Last year, he was a follower and a good one. He's now more of a leader."

Justin Pasquesi is the other most experienced Rambler back in the

pool. The senior swam on both the 200 medley and 400 free relays last

season. He narrowly missed out on advancing to the finals as an

individual in both the 100 and 200 free events.

Both divers who competed at the state meet last season also return.

Senior Michael Manhard was 13th, missing the finals by one spot.

Junior Michael Nash was 24th.

"We're not the largest team in the world, but we should pack a little punch," Stonequist said. "We are not going to be strong in dual meets, but we hope to progress by the state meet."

Loyola is at Stevenson's relay invitational Saturday.

Comment: pioneerlocal.com

© 2012 Sun-Times Media, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be copied or distributed without permission. For more information about reprints and permissions, visit www.suntimesreprints.com. To order a reprint of this article, click here.