Lyons junior Ben Johnston and sophomore Jeffrey Vitek are in no way the star swimmers on one of the strongest teams in program history.
Their impact on the team, however, is not lost on Lyons coach Scott Walker.
“They have played second fiddle to teammates, but they are very valuable guys,” Walker said. “They will both be on the bubble for qualifying (for state), but it’s important to have kids like them. They keep everybody honest and are just two very positive guys.”
Johnston and Vitek helped the Lions accomplish a rare feat at the West Suburban Silver Meet on Saturday, Feb. 6 in Downers Grove.
Lyons captured the outright conference championship for the first time since 2008. The Lions (308) finished ahead of defending state champion and longtime rival Hinsdale Central (258).
Vitek took first in the 100-yard butterfly (55.39 seconds), and Johnston was a close second (55.45).
While Vitek and Johnston contribute in the pool, they also help the team in other ways.
“I just try to make sure I lead by example,” Johnston said. “I get to practice every day ready to do my best and work as hard as I can. Even when it gets tough, I help and encourage everyone.”
“I want to be a role model for my teammates,” Vitek said. “I trained hard all year to be on the sectional team, the same with Ben. We both knew we could make it this year, and to do it on one of the deepest (Lyons) teams ever, is a huge reward.”
As analytics is changing the landscape of sports everywhere, Vitek would be the likely candidate to bring the measuring stick to the swim team.
“Jeffrey tends to be a numbers guy,” Walker said. “Everything and anything he does converts to numbers and times. He is like our database when it comes to what other swimmers from other teams can and can’t do.”
The Western Springs resident also knows how to lighten the mood at practice.
“Jeffrey just says the funniest things at the right time that just makes everyone start laughing,” Walker said. “This proves to keep the atmosphere light.”
Johnston, a La Grange resident, is not the most vocal leader but finds ways to get his point across.
“Ben is somewhat of a quiet figure on the team,” Walker said. “From a coach’s standpoint, he’s one I trust in always doing the next best thing. Whenever he does speak out, the guys tend to listen.”
Johnston and Vitek have also benefited from swimming similar times throughout the season.
“It’s been fun swimming against him,” Johnston said. “We’ve been swimming together the last couple years and have gotten to know each other pretty well. I’m glad we’re so close in times, and we push each other a lot.”
Ken Ryan is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter: @KenRyan15
