Area Sports Roundup: Reavis swimmer Countryman wins two more state medals

By Jeff Vorva
Staff Writer

The best boys swimmer in Reavis history came close to achieving the school’s first individual state championship in the sport.

Rams senior Joey Countryman took second in the 100 freestyle with a time of 45.23. Rockford East senior Camden Taylor won the event in 43.72 on Feb. 25 at the FMC Natatorium in Westmont.

The finish still tied the all-time Reavis finish in a state meet with Jim Macklin, who took second in the 100 butterfly in 1986.

Countryman, who is heading to Oakland University to continue his swimming and academic career, won four state medals with the Rams. He is the only swimmer in program history to win more than one. When he medaled twice at state last season, he was the first Rams boys swimmer to win a medal since 1998.

His preliminary time on Feb. 24 was 45.69, which was good for fifth place, and he climbed a few rungs on Saturday for the big finish.

Countryman also placed fifth in the 200 free with a 1:39.55.

Lyons senior Quinn Collins capped off his high school career with a strong finish, placing fifth in the 100 back (50.48) and 12^th in the 200 IM (1:42.38).

He also joined Jack Dillon, Garrett Walls and Marko Trajanovski to take 11^th in the 200 medley relay (1:34.86) and joined Peter Smith, Walls and Trajanovski to take 12^th in the 400 free relay (3:08.69).

Nazareth sophomore Cooper Kosanovich took seventh in diving with 457.80 points.

RedHawk now Blackhawk

The Chicago Blackhawks signed former Marist hockey star David Gust to a two-way contract.

The Orland Park native had 50 points in 51 games for the Rockford IceHogs, a Blackhawks affiliate.

Jacobs still breaking records

Tennessee senior distance runner Dylan Jacobs, a Sandburg graduate, continues to make history.

Jacobs set the indoor Southeast Conference record in the 3,000-meter event with a 7:52.49 Feb. 25 at the Tyson Indoor Track Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Swanson named MVP

Mallory Swanson, formerly known as Mallory Pugh, scored eight goals and was named MVP for the United States in the SheBelieves Cup.

The Red Stars standout became the first player in Cup history to score in every game.

Chicago is hoping Swanson can have a great season for the Red Stars, as they have had multiple top players leave the team for various reasons and can use as much offensive firepower as they can get.

The Red Stars open the NWSL season March 25 in San Diego and make their SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview season debut when they host Houston at 1 p.m. on April 1.

Sale coming soon?

Front Office Sports’ website is reporting the Red Stars’ sale is picking up steam and there are double-digits numbers of interested buyers.

The website also said that bids were scheduled to be sent in by the end of February and the sale could happen in spring.

Arnim Whisler said in December he would sell the club after he was accused of ignoring abuse that was occurring under his watch.

There is no word yet if the team will stay or leave the Chicago area.

Max camp coming in July

The second Max Strus Basketball Camp is slated for July 17-20 at Stagg High School.

The camp is open to boys and girls in grades 2 through 8.

Strus is a Stagg graduate who now plays for the NBA’s Miami Heat. Last year, he brought a few teammates to the camp.

No tears for Onion

Lyons graduate Connor Onion has been climbing the ladder in the sports announcing world and recently moved up to the Big Ten Conference level as he announced the Minnesota-Illinois men’s basketball game for the Big Ten Network.