New practice techniques help boys’ swim team find success

Ava Kontuly Sports Writer

Theboys’ varsity swim team, led by Coach Donald Kura, is currently ranked fifth in the state and has won four out of the five invites they have participated in. This includes firstplace finishes at the Barrington Quad Meet, the Homewood Flossmoor Pentathlon, and the Maine South Hawk Relays.

Another accomplishment they attained was a third-place finish at the Rolling Meadows Mustang Jamboree. They also beat Prospect, Vernon Hills, and Evanston to secure a win in their recent dual meets.

One significant challenge the team has faced is keeping up with the demanding schedule.

“Our conference is always tough, but this year is probably the deepest I can remember in my time at Maine South,” Coach Donald Kura said.

Four teams in the conference are ranked top fifteen in the State. Maine South will also face tough match ups against Glenbrook South and Evanston, who have historically been ranked top 20 every year.

To continue finding success during their tough winter season, the team has been enduring a very intensive practice schedule. They lift for an hour three days a week and have a two-hour swim practice every day, Monday through Saturday.

Coach Kura has implemented a new strategy focusing on highintensity race-pace training.

Boys’ hockey aims to defend Conference title; sends three athletes to All-Conference team

Sofia Rossi & Thomas Hurley Sports Writer & Sports Editor

Theboys’ hockey team is looking to expand on last year’s very successful season. After winning the conference championship last year, they plan to defend that title, but also win State.

The high energy and excitement from the fans allow the team to play at the next level.

“When we have students at the game the environment is much better,” senior forward Ryan Belz said.

He also believes that the team works well together because most teammates have been playing together for many years.

“We have practices twice a week which helps us get ready for our games,” Belz said.

Working well as a team, Maine Township also shows individual strength — three team members were recently announced as part of the AllConference team.

“We are going to play a game against another All-Conference team sometime in March,” senior defense man Aidan Costigan said.

Joined by fellow senior hockey players Ryan Belz and Peter Koepke, Costigan is excited to be a part of this team.

“It feels great to represent Maine South alongside my friends,” Costigan said.

“Representing Maine South at this level is important to me because I have been playing with Maine Hockey since I was a freshman,” Belz said, Not only do they play for Maine South, they are playing for the entire school district.

“Even being from Maine South, I think it’s cool to play for the students of Maine West and East,” Costigan said “I have been playing with Peter and Ryan for as long as I can

“We also have reemphasized kicking as part of our training,” Coach Kura said. “At least two to three days per week, we are doing grueling kick sets.”

Despite being clearly effective, the practice schedule has proved difficult for students to keep up with.

“It’s challenging to balance the amount of practice with school and sleep,” junior Dominic Mazurek said. remember, so I’m happy we can be a part of it together... We all train together to be the best.”

As they continue the season, the team is looking to qualify as many individuals and relays during the state preliminary meet as possible.

“Some goals for the team are to win Sectionals, and hopefully a top five finish at State,” Mazurek said.

Despite athletes attending different schools, they have all managed to build a sense of community with each other.

“I’ve known [Belz and Costigan] since I started playing hockey, and the sport has forged a strong bond...I’ve always had a goal to play for this team,” senior Peter Koepke said.