When discussing graduating senior Tim Schoof, Michigan City coach Mel Kovenz kept expressing one thought over and over.
“It’s going to be hard to replace him,” Kovenz said.
In a program like Michigan City’s, a swimmer of Schoof’s caliber doesn’t come along every year. Unlike some local schools, the Wolves don’t rely on an age-group team loaded with talent ready to replace graduating seniors.
For that reason, Schoof’s accomplishments are even more appreciated by his coaches, teammates and community. The Post-Tribune Boys Swimmer of the Year will leave behind a lasting legacy after finishing sixth in the 100-yard butterfly and seventh in the 100 backstroke at the state meet.
Schoof, who will swim at Michigan State, was seeded fourth in the 100 fly after going 49.18 at prelims. He went 49.60 in the finals.
“I noticed right away I didn’t hit my first turn on my butterfly,” Schoof said. “I was able to stay on track, but I knew I had made a mistake. It’s obvious with that 0.4 second different between my perfect race and the race where I made a little bit of a mistake. That was the difference between fourth and sixth.”
Schoof turned in a 51.81 in the 100 back at the state finals.
“I don’t know what was up with my backstroke this season,” he said. “I was expecting to go 50-lows, maybe 49-highs, but I also put on a little bit more muscle weight. I’m thinking that may have helped my butterfly, but hurt my backstroke.”
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Even so, Schoof exits as one of the most accomplished swimmers in school history. He owns five Michigan City records and knocked Wolves star Cameron Miller’s name off the top of the record board.
“The kids look up to him,” Kovenz said. “Tim would say something and he would raise his voice and the kids would react. He was kind of like a giant walking around and he had a big swing. Leadership is something that’s hard to instill. His respect came from his speed and things he accomplished.”
When Kovenz took over Michigan City’s program before Schoof’s junior season, the coach brought more intense workouts that helped Schoof better prepare for life in the Big Ten.
Schoof has a strong chemistry with the veteran coach.
“Most days, he’s grumpy,” Schoof said with a laugh. “Some days, he’ll have his phone plugged into the radio and his speakers playing. All practice, he’ll be over here dancing and sweating up a storm. You can tell when he’s in a good mood and you can tell when he’s in a bad mood.”
Kovenz has always found ways to playfully tease Schoof. A conversation with two local girls coaches prior to a meet this year provided him with new ammunition. The coaches said their girls were excited to see Schoof swim.
“He was kind of the heartthrob of other teams,” Kovenz said. “When they told me about that one, we started giving him a hard time. He sheepishly blew it off. …
“It was nice having a kid as personable as Tim. He’s not egotistical, and when I brought that up I could get him to turn red.”
Kovenz then ended the discussion the same way he started.
“The kids say, ‘I don’t know if I can fill his shoes,'” Kovenz said. “Somebody is going to have to swim those events. Kids with leadership and talent like that are hard to replace.”
Brandon Vickrey is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.