Will Vodak had just collected his second runner-up finish in 30 minutes as the final event of Saturday’s boys swimming finals concluded, but there wasn’t a trace of disappointment in his eyes.
The New Trier junior instead was beaming and ready to celebrate on the Evanston deck after helping the Trevians capture their 18th state swimming title.
“The state championship is one of the best honors we could have,” said Vodak, whose team collected 172 points to easily outdistance second-place Naperville Central (130). “This is what we worked for all season long and it feels so good to come here and get this done.”
Fenwick, helped by two championship freestyle relays, was third with 121 points.
Vodak seemed to personify New Trier’s talent and depth. He swam on a first-place 200-yard medley relay along with senior Jimmy Munson, freshman Andrew Snabes and junior Ben Wampler.
Vodak then took second in the backstroke, third in the 200-yard freestyle and anchored a 400-yard freestyle relay that was nipped at the finish by Fenwick.
All told, New Trier scored in 11 of 12 events as it earned a first, four seconds, one third and three fourths.
Snabes was second in the 100-yard butterfly while Munson was runner-up in the breaststroke.
The state championship was New Trier’s 88th, the most of any Illinois school, and now has 28 swimming championships between boys and girls programs.
Neuqua Valley sophomore Brian Alden swept both freestyle races with his 20.72-second time in the 50 and 45.51 in the 100.
“It’s a great feeling,” Alden said. “It’s awesome to be able to experience this and to swim against great guys at this great competition.”
Glenbrook South’s Wes Villaflor dominated the diving final with a 430.05 score.
