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School marks top Craig swimmers' 'to-do' list

JANESVILLE — Janesville Craig High School's boys swim team wants to go on the record this season.

The Cougars' goal is to set school records in all three relay events and also earn state berths.

Craig goes into the new season with a leg up on relay records. Juniors Alex Loftus, Tyler Meinders and Nick Strub had a hand setting school marks in two relays last season.

Craig posted school records in the 200 freestyle relay (1 minute, 31.58 seconds) and the 200 medley relay (1:40.7) at the state meet last February.

Craig coach Brian Kitzman is pushing the Cougars to do it again.

"We are actually thinking of setting more school records, as hard as those are to get," Kitzman said.

The graduated Nick Hazekamp, Sam Waddel and Nick Enloe were on the 200 medley relay, along with Loftus. Enloe and the graduated Sean Davis competed in the 200 freestyle relay.

With Loftus, Meinders and Strub returning, along with freshman Spencer Mattox, the Cougars will give the record chase their best shot.

"We'll concentrate heavily on the relays," Kitzman said. "We have those guys for leaders and scoring points."

John Maginot is the Cougars' lone senior and will swim the 200 and 500 freestyles.

Besides the relays, Loftus will concentrate on the 200 individual medley and the 100 breaststroke.

"He has a very good shot at state, especially in the breaststroke," Kitzman said. "Alex is swimming a lot faster than last year. He is down to 1:02.7, and the school record is 1:00."

Mattox will push Loftus in the breaststroke, which is not a bad thing for either swimmer.

"Mattox is just as fast (in the breaststroke)," Kitzman said. "He'll be one of our top guys."

Kitzman said Mattox has been a pleasant surprise.

"He is a club swimmer," Kitzman said. "It's very nice to have him."

Meinders and Strub will find work in the freestyle events. The Cougars also will have help from juniors Jacob Canik and Alex Dyble.

Craig will travel to Janesville Parker for a Big Eight Conference dual-meet and season opener at 5 p.m. today.

The Cougars' schedule:

DECEMBER: Today—At Janesville Parker, 5 p.m. 5—Cougar Invitational, 10 a.m. 11—Madison La Follette, 5 p.m.. 12—Janesville Parker Relays. 11 a.m. 18—Madison Memorial/Verona, 5 p.m. 19—Elkhorn Invitational, 10 a.m.

JANUARY: 8—At Middleton, 5 p.m. 16—Middleton Invitational, 11 a.m. 22—At Beloit Memorial, 5 p.m. 23—Menomonee Falls Invitational, 1 p.m. 29—At Madison East, 5 p.m.

FEBRUARY: 6—Big Eight meet, at Middleton, 8 a.m. 13—WIAA sectional, at Middletons. 20—WIAA state meet, UW Natatorium, Madison.