The Mail-Journal, Volume 23, Number 47, Milford, Kosciusko County, 19 November 1986 — Page 24

Warriors eye first NLC crown

Wawasee’s boys swim team has all the tools it needs to capture its first Northern Lakes Conference championship. The Warriors, on the threshold of a NLC crown once before, appear to have a solid shot at this years championship. “If we are ever going to win a NLC championship, this will be the year,” said Wawasee’s ninthyear coach, Tim Caldwell. “We have some outstanding talent and a lot of depth.” Still, Caldwell has a couple of fears — Warsaw and Concord. The Tigers, on paper, appear to be as powerful as the Warriors. Ranked 10th in the state last season. Warsaw returns the majority of its team. Concord, according to Caldwell, has an outside shot at the title. “Warsaw should give us a challenge,” added Caldwell. “Still, if we put out the effort and work hard, we can win it.” Leading Wawasee’s chances for its first Northern Lakes Conference championship are 14 returning lettermen, seven with sectional experience. With Wawasee’s experience and talent, the Warriors have several swimmers capable of leading the to a NLC and sectional title. But in all likelihood, it will be three swimmers leading the way. Steve Rozow, a two-time school record holder, has emerged the last couple of years as a dominate

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force in the NLC. Rozow, who has improved each season, should enjoy his finest season individually. Brad Smith and Mark Rich should also provide skill with leadership to Wawasee’s championship drive. Smith has become one of the top butterfly and freestyle swimmers in the NLC. Rich, like Rozow and Smith, has become a consistent performer for the Syracuse-based school. Unlike in years past when Wawasee had a few outstanding swimmers and little else, this edition has plenty of quality depth. Scott Rozow and Steve Ensinger, breaststroke sectional finalist in 1985, should have another fine season, with NLC and sectional championships not out of the question. The same can be said about Derin Keim and David Ridings. With another pair of sectional finalists in Keim and Ridings, the Warriors find themselves in contention in. every backstroke event. Sprinters Skip Winnebald and Neff, both placing in the sectional finals last season, are expected to do the same, if not better this year. Steve Schmahl, Wawasee’s top distance swimmer, placed seventh last year at sectionals. Schmahl’s expertise is the 500 freestyle, although he swims the 200 freestyle. Matt Fryback, injured at the tail end last year, is hopeful of successful return. Caldwell feels, with a strong effort, Fryback could challenge for a Northern Lakes Conference title. Nevertheless, even with that talent, Caldwell is stressing the team concept. “We have some outstanding swimmers, some good ones, and some that are not quite as good as

others,” said Caldwell. “But even with that, we are a team. We swim as a team, we win as a team.” Along with the 14 returning lettermen, Caldwell received a pleasant surprise during pre-season workouts. Move-in Paul Morel, formerly from Michigan, joined the team and is believed to be an asset to the Warriors. A backstroker, Morel could add exceptional depth for Wawasee. Vince Koser, Eric Hood and Mike Lawrence round out Wawasee’s returning swimmers: Wawasee’s weakest link, on

- , a , \ ~ a ■ -• J* j|S ~ ‘ Sb < . i Jt I . Ik * , A I H mw"' iiilj 1 M JLw £ j i g- MRS WAWASEE SWIMMERS — Pictured above are members of the 1988-87 Wawasee boys* swim team. - . Pictured in the water, from left to right, are Steve Berkey, Steve McDaniel, Mike Lawrence, Eric Hood. Casey Kline, Vince Koser, David Neterer, and Ken Ferguson. Pictured in the second row are David Ridings, Matt Fryback, Scott Rozow, Skip Winnebald, Brian Neff, David Keener, Gary Stuckman, and Paul Morel. In the third row are Brad Smith, Mark Rich, Angelo Jimenez, Dave Welker, Steve Ensinger, Derin Keim, Steve Rozow, and Steve Schmahl. In the fourth row are diving coach Rex Rymers and head coach Tim Caldwell.

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paper, is in its diving corps. Although the Warriors have exceptional talent, the majority of divers are young. One junior returns from last season while three sophomores should battle throughout the season. • “Right now they are a little green,” admitted Caldwell. “But we have some nice talent there. It will just take a little time before everything comes together.” Although Gary Stuckman, a junior, is back for another season, David Keener has developed into the Warriors’ top diver. Keener, according to the

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Wawasee coaching staff, could be highly competitive at the Northern Lakes and sectional meet. Following Keener appears to be David Neterer and Ken Ferguson. Stuckman, despite his age, is behind the sophomores. This season, 1986-87, indeed could be the year of the Warrior. Wawasee has everything it needs to be successful — talent, depth and desire. The Warriors open their season Nov. 20, at Huntington North. Wawasee’s first home meet is scheduled for Nov. 24 with LaPorte.