Boys Swimming: Loyola’s Jovanovic steps up big-time at invite

The way in which Loyola’s Andrew Jovanovic swims, talks and acts illustrates someone who holds himself to a high standard.

Much like Glenbrook South superstar Olivia Smoliga, the Ramblers’ junior is as humble as he is talented.

Jovanovic again showed his strength at Evanston’s invitational on Saturday by winning the 200-yard IM and helping Loyola finish fifth in the the 18-team meet, considered by some to be a mini-preview of State. Five teams from last year’s top 10 were on hand.

Jovanovic beat Naperville North’s Nick Bessler in the IM by more than a second, finishing in 1:55.49. The Rambler was second to New Trier junior Jack Mangan in the 100 backstroke, who won in a record time of 51.64, with Jovanovic close behind in 51.81.

“I’m very happy with how I am doing this year,” Jovanovic said. “I’m finally training how I should.”

As a sophomore, Jovanovic put himself in select company by capturing two State championships, finishing first in both the 50 freestyle and 100 butterfly.

But Jovanovic considers himself, “just another player in the field” this season.

“Everyone has to prove themselves again,” he said, refusing to call himself a favorite in any event. “I can’t expect to win anything. I’m an average Joe. It’s the truth, because Illinois is home to some of the greatest talent in the country, maybe the world.”

But Jovanovic admits he’s in a good place this season, and credits his teammates for getting him to this point.

“The team atmosphere is what pushes me to become more than what I was last year,” he said. “If I wasn’t training with them, I would be even more tired than I am right now. They encourage me so much, and they always put me in a better mood.”

Saturday’s invite provided a good test for Jovanovic, who observed several of the state’s standout swimmers in the same pool. He doesn’t underestimate the experience.

“This meet puts us in a race-time environment,” he said. “That’s important to see at this time of the year. We are all tied, but this meet is about who can step up and push himself past the limits.”

Blake Morgan also stood out at Evanston. The junior won the 100 breaststroke in 1:01.03, touching out New Trier’s Grant Smith (1:01.04). Morgan finished fifth in the 500 free (4:45.88).

Loyola placed all three relays in the top five. The medley foursome of Brendan Hulseman, Jack Considine, Morgan and Jovanovic placed third in 1:39.65.

New Trier further established itself as the favorite to defend its 2011 State championship next month by winning seven events and capturing the overall title.

The Trevians won with 3,229 power points. Loyola was fifth with 2,777.

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