Boys Swimming: Dynamic duo leads Naperville Central to title

Week in and week out, Naperville Central seniors Sean Lehane and Nate Weeks just go out and take care of business.

On Saturday, the Redhawks’ only two returning state scorers won their two individual events and led their teammates to a pair of relay victories to give Naperville Central the championship at the Hinsdale South College Events Swim Meet.

Lehane, the reigning state champion in the 100-yard backstroke, went out and set a meet record in the 200 backstroke, going a 1:50.04. He also took first in the 200 freestyle in 1:46.35.

“I wanted to beat 1:50 in the backstroke, but I just missed,” said Lehane. “It wasn’t the best time, but pretty good for being so tired.”

Weeks was the champion in the 400 individual medley (4:13.91) and came back two events later and to win the 100 butterfly in 1:56.74. His teammate Connor Lamb was third in the IM and fourth in the fly.

“It was great to swim with Connor Lamb in both races,” said Weeks. “He really pushes me.”

Earlier, Lehane, Lamb and Weeks combined with senior breaststroker Pat Van Duerm to win the 400 medley relay in 3:39.43. The meet record in that race is 3:35.87, which was set last year by a Redhawks foursome that included Weeks and three seniors.

“In that race it feels like I’m just stepping up and being one of the guys,” said Van Duerm. “I’m just working as hard as I can to do the best I can for the team. And I’m surprising myself a little along the way.”

To seal the meet victory in the final event of the day, it was Lehane, Weeks, Lamb and Noah Wood winning the 800 freestyle relay in 7:16.20, almost 15 seconds ahead of second-place Barrington.

“It’s such an honor to swim on those relays with Sean and Nate,” said Lamb. “I’m learning so much from them in practice and in races. In the 800 Sean just goes out there and comes back with a huge lead and it’s up to us to hold onto it.”

Naperville Central finished the meet with 240 points with Hinsdale Central finishing second with 221. Barrington was third with 206, followed by Wheaton Warrenville South with 179 and Waubonsie Valley with 140.

The Redhawks, who finished second at state last year and were the state champs the year before, are in the process of rebuilding and contending at the same time. Weeks and Lehane are the centerpieces of this team, but the second group, which includes Wood, Lamb and Van Duerm, is moving up rapidly and promises to play an important role in the postseason.

“The other guys are great athletes and they’re cranking it out in practice,” Weeks said. “They’re even starting to get recognized on the internet a little bit. When it comes down to it we’re going to be a good team at the end of the year.”

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