OAK PARK — Fenwick’s Cavan Smith went into Saturday’s sectional meet hosted by the Friars with a risky plan — and he executed it to perfection.
The junior had a memorable performance, despite not being rested, and qualified for Friday’s state meet at New Trier in four events, including two relays.
Smith advanced by finishing fourth in the 50-yard freestyle (21.86 seconds), and first in the 100 butterfly (51.93), the 200 medley relay with Michael Hill, Chez Daggs and Mickey McGuire (1:35.34), and in the 200 freestyle relay with Hill, McGuire and Tommy Bartecki (1:27.47).
“It was a nerve-wracking day because I wasn’t tapered or shaven,” Smith said. “Every race is a mental battle because you don’t know if the other guys in the race are tapered and shaven. I wasn’t even positive I’d make the cut in the 50 because (Saturday) was the first time I’ve gotten below 21.9.”
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Fenwick coach Luke McGuire was especially proud of the performances by Hill and Smith. In addition to qualifying with the two relays, Hill also touched first in the 50 free (first, 21.11) and the 100 free (46.86).
“(Smith) and (Hill) are not rested because they’re resting for state, so to pull these times out now is huge” McGuire said. “The rest of the team is fully tapered so this really speaks to their commitment to the sport and shows that they’re really fast swimmers.”
Other Friars heading to state are Daggs in the 100 breaststroke (first, 1:02.71) and Connor Hendzel in diving (first, 3:09.6).
Fenwick ( second, 291 points) finished behind Oak Park-River Forest (309) in a sectional meet for the first time since 2003, but earned eight state entries to five for OPRF.
“Losing always bothers us,” Smith said. “You can’t be happy losing. It’s impossible because we’re all so competitive. But that wasn’t our main goal at sectionals. Our main goal was to make the state cuts.”
Smith shouldn’t worry about nerves at state because he’s been there before. Even though he’s a junior, he’s already earned four state medals.
“It’s nice having the experience and knowing what to do when you go into that meet,” Smith said. “This week we’re just focusing on the technical things, resting, eating the right things and not trying to freak ourselves out.”
Smith thinks his best chances to add to his medal collection will come in the 200 medley relay and the 100 butterfly. Last year, the medley relay finished sixth, while Smith was 12th in the butterfly.
This year, the medley relay is seeded seventh based on sectional times. Smith, whose twin brother Sean also is on the Fenwick team, has the 20th fastest time in the butterfly, but expects to drop.
“The relay is definitely coming together and our goal is to break the team record we set last year (1:34.38), and it’s definitely in reach,” Smith said. “In the 100 fly, my goal time is a 49, but if I get anywhere in the 49s I’ll be really happy.”
Smith will need to get his rest, because after state he is ready to compete in the NCSA Junior Nationals, March 17-12 in Orlando, Fla.
Rob Valentin is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press