A few nights before the Lyons boys swimming team hosted Hinsdale Central for a dual meet, the Lions’ captains held a meeting.
Captains Spencer Walker, Jeff Vitek, Henry Claesson and Frank McCarter ate Chipotle at Walker’s home, then discussed the team’s lineup.
Lyons coach Scott Walker, who is Spencer Walker’s father, was also present.
“Coach was there and gave his input, and we came to a consensus,” Vitek said. “It was pretty collaborative.”
The Lions fell to the Red Devils 95-91 in their lone dual-meet loss of the season, but the Lyons swimmers said they value the culture that allows them to help their coaches make important decisions that affect the team.
Scott Walker and his captains count the open communication as one of the reasons the Lions have surged to be one of the state’s best programs.
“My dad does rely on our thoughts. He trusts what we know,” said Spencer Walker, a senior and the Lions’ best swimmer in the backstroke and distance events. He has committed to swim at Alabama next year.
“It comes down to, ‘Where can we improve and drop the most time?'” said Vitek, a Western Springs resident. “(Coach Walker) has the final say, but what’s cool about our program is Coach listens to our input.”
The Lions are the two-time defending state champions and will aim for a three-peat in February. Scott Walker leads a talented group of swimmers who are capable of contending for more hardware at state.
But the team isn’t ready to talk about that.
“I don’t talk about that,” Scott Walker said. “I look at it like we are studying and doing exercises to prepare us for the ultimate swim.”
Lyons has elite swimmers in just about every discipline. In addition to Spencer Walker’s backstroke and distance expertise, Vitek and Claesson are both excellent in the butterfly and are regular contributors in sprint events.
Scott Walker said he would inform his swimmers about the state series lineup this week. However, the Lions’ discussions about potential relay lineups began in the fall.
The team captains regularly would share thoughts about the Lions’ lineup and potential opponents during lunch at school or by text.
“We’ll throw numbers around and see where we can take a point from one team and sneak points for our team,” said Vitek, who plans to swim at Johns Hopkins next year. “It’s fun to figure out how we can squeeze the most points out of the lineup we have.”
Scott Walker said the Lions have 70 swimmers, which is comparable to the team’s size the last couple of seasons. And the Lions make a point of practicing together.
“Most varsity coaches take 12 to 18 kids and that’s their group. We practice as a whole,” Walker said. “I believe you are who you swim with.”
Lyons is going through final preparations before swimming for a third straight state title. The Lions are aware of how difficult that challenge will be.
“We have a huge target on our backs,” Spencer Walker said. “It will come down to what everyone can do for the team and for that meet.”
Jon J. Kerr is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press
