Hurricanes lose to Greenfield, 11th at Nicolet Invitational

The Wauwatosa Hurricanes opened the week by dropping a 112-72 dual meet at Greendale/Greenfield on Nov. 30 and then finished 11 out of 14 teams at the Nicolet Sprint Invitational on Saturday.

Freshman Jake Lutz won the 200-yard individual medley, and senior captain Caleb Hernday finished first in the 100 breaststroke.

"Overall, the boys had a great swim meet," Tosa coach Heidi Goetsch said. "Most of our returning swimmers are ahead of where their times were last year at this time. This was a great first meet for these boys. They got to see some good swimmers but also had some close races."

Goetsch pointed out that several swimmers were seeing their first varsity competition.

"With so many of our swimmers being new swimmers, they had their first look at competition, and they liked it. The best part of this meet is that it was our first meet and there is only one way to go - and that is faster."

The JV also lost by a closer score, 55-50.

In the Knight Sprint Invite on Saturday, the Hurricanes' top finish was a third-place performance by the 200 freestyle relay which consists of senior captain Peter Hovel , Lutz, freshman Michael Silverling, Hernday, junior Max Brovarney, senior Stuart VanderVelde, freshman Jack Falk and sophomore Eddie Galindo.

Top 16 athletes for the Hurricanes were Tony Benz (sixth, diving), Galindo (10th, 50 backstroke), Brovarney (13th , 50 free), Lutz (13th , 200 IM), Hernday (14th 200 IM, 15th, 100 IM) and Hovel (15th, 50 butterfly).

"Our boys were pumped and ready for this invitational," Goetsch said. "You can see them really come together as a team, cheering for each other and just had a great time. Overall, we had a lot of season bests even though the boys were sore from previous days practice.

"The boys proved to themselves that they can swim well even when sore."

Preview

The Wauwatosa Hurricanes return seven swimmers/divers this year.

Hovel and Hernday lead the returnees along with senior Alex Season, Brovarney, Sam Heiresman and diver Benz and Galindo.

Goetsch will also have a talented freshman in Lutz.

"With his strong background, he will fit right in with our varsity," Goetsch said.

The swimming numbers have increased, but it will be a rebuilding season.

"I have very high hopes with what the boys can do," Goetsch said. "Our numbers have gone up, which helps us come back from losing a bunch of strong swimmers/divers last year."

The Hurricanes will be led by returning state qualifiers Hovel and Hernday.

"We are also looking forward to what Galindo, Brovarney, Benz and Lutz can do," Goetsch said. "Hopefully we can yet again this year get a couple of relays and individuals to state."

Goetsch is especially pleased with her team's attitude.

"Every boy on this Wauwatosa team is ready and able to step up into the void last year's seniors left."

- Tom 'Sky' Skibosh