Bow Swimming: Glenbrook South senior Brander looking for full load at state

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Gleview- From left before the meet Ryan Brander, J.J. Connor and Ryan Hianiki of Glenbrook South. Boys varsity swimming pits the Titans of Glenbrook South against the Wolves of Niles West. | Joe Cyganowski ~ For Sun Times Media

Updated: February 27, 2012 8:46AM

Like most other swimmers in the state, Ryan Brander is at the stage of the season where exhaustion gives way to anticipation.

With the state series less than a month away, the Glenbrook South senior can push through the pain knowing it will pay off in the end.

“The practices still are tough, but it’s to keep us in shape,” he said. “It might seem like we are beating ourselves down, but it’s worth it. Our bodies will be able to adjust with rest because of all the hard training.”

Brander is looking to get back to the state meet for a second consecutive season. He swam on the 400-yard freestyle relay last season that took 10th in the state. He also qualified on the 200 medley relay that didn’t make the finals.

Brander wants to swim with the relays again, but also has set his sights on qualifying as an individual, something he’s never done in his career. His top events are the 50 freestyle and the 100 butterfly. He said the butterfly is his best chance to earn a trip to Evanston next month.

“I’d love to do two individual events, the medley relay and 200 free relay,” he said. “I know my chances in the 50 aren’t that great, so I’d be happy with the fly and all three relays.”

Brander’s swimming faster than ever. His times in the butterfly and sprint freestyle are better than late last season. He still is working on dropping time in his 100 freestyle so he can pull his weight in the 400 free relay.

“I’ve hit a few bumps this season, but I’ve been able to cut off time and get faster each meet,” Brander said.

Brander came to Glenbrook South with little experience in the pool. Although he swam for a club, he didn’t compete in many meets. He credits Titans coach Keith MacDonald for turning him into a top-level swimmer.

“He’s done a great deal to help me,” said Brander, who hopes swim club at Illinois. “He’s very knowledgeable about the sport and how it should be done.

“It’s been a great four years, a lot of fun.”

Glenbrook South competes against Maine South on Friday. The Titans then end the regular season Feb. 3 against Evanston before the CSL South meet Feb. 11 at Evanston. The Titans participate in the Glenbrook North Sectional Feb. 18.