Boys Swimming: Hulseman smashes conference mark in 200 free
BY MATT HARNESS mharness@pioneerlocal.com February 6, 2012 10:36PM
OakPark Friday 2/3/12 Loyola's Michael Nash during MCAC Conference diving meet at Fenwick HS. | Jerry Daliege~for Sun-Times Media
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Updated: March 10, 2012 8:29AM
Brendan Hulseman won’t soon forget Saturday.
The Loyola senior most likely will swim at the state meet later this month at Evanston, but Hulseman’s day in the pool at Fenwick signaled a completed comeback.
The weekend before Thanksgiving, Hulseman suffered a knee injury that required surgery. He went under the knife the first day of the season to repair what he called a “slipped” meniscus in his right knee.
“We thought it was worse than it was,” Hulseman said. “It wasn’t as bad.”
Three weeks later, Hulseman returned to the pool, but was behind in his training. Tirelessly, he worked his way back into shape, and Saturday at the MCAC meet he won the 200-yard freestyle in a conference-record 1:43.36.
“It probably is the most exciting part of the season for me so far,” Hulseman said. “I will remember that for the rest of my life.”
Despite all of the senior’s early season obstacles, Loyola coach Mike Hengelman said Hulseman kept his sights on the league record in the 200 free.
“We knew that was something he wanted,” the coach said. “He had a great swim.
“It was a rough way to start the season, but he battled to get back. I’m proud of him.”
Hulseman’s younger brother Brian also experienced a big day at Fenwick. The sophomore finished first in the 500 free in 5:06.51, beating his closest competitor by more than eight seconds.
“It was tough coming back,” said Brendan, one of 13 siblings, two of whom swim at Loyola right now. “I am happy to be back, and I feel 100 percent.”
Two-time state champion Andrew Jovanovic won two events, finishing first in both the 200 IM (1:55.29) and 100 backstroke (52.45).
“He’s right where he needs to be,” Hengelman said of the superstar junior.
Michael Nash also captured a conference championship by scoring 448.05 points to easily win diving. Fenwick’s Max Showalter was more than 100 points behind in second.
Loyola, which is saving its taper for the Feb. 18 sectional at New Trier, took second place to Fenwick at the 12-team meet. The Friars totaled 401 points to the Ramblers’ 342.
“Fenwick swam too fast for my taste,” said Hengelman, who’s happy where his Ramblers are at this stage of the season.
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