Southland underclassmen have been overachievers this season in several large meets.
Lincoln-Way East sophomore Patrick Hackett won the 500-yard freestyle at the prestigious Evanston Invitational that included many of the state’s top teams.
Stagg freshman Lucas Smiarowski won the 200 individual medley and the 500 free at the Lincoln-Way North Invitational. Smiarowski is an age-group state champion who decided to swim for Stagg.
“It feels more meaningful, swimming for your school,’’ Smiarowski said.
Sandburg sophomore Kevin Stratton took the 100 backstroke at the Lincoln-Way North meet.
Reavis sophomore Matt Blicharski has broken three pool records, including the 25-year-old mark in the 200 freestyle at Argo. Blicharski is the defending South Suburban Red champ in the 200 and 500 freestyles.
Two local invitationals are on the Saturday schedule: Andrew and Argo will be among the field at the Shepard Invitational. Stagg will be the favorite at the Lockport Invitational.
