Fantasy state swim: Neuqua’s No. 1

I’m a stats geek. I am the commissioner of my own fantasy football league (for money), I play for free online in fantasy leagues for baseball and hockey, yes, hockey, and would probably participate in a fantasy pro golf league if I knew more than three players on the Tour.

Fantasy sports has changed the way we watch the games and read about the games. Which is why I am intrigued by the predicted state boys swimming and diving results by the folks at Illinois Top Times, who chronicle the weekly honor roll listing the top times in the state in each event.

Using sectional times, here’s Illinois Top Times’ predicted order of finish for this weekend’s state meet, which begins at 3:30 p.m. Friday at Evanston:

1. Neuqua Valley 160

2. New Trier 115

3. Naperville Central 111

4. Normal U-High 88

5. Naperville North 67

6. Lake Forest 65

7. Lyons 56

8. Glenbrook South 55

9. Libertyville 47

10. Fenwick 42

Of course, accurately predicting the finish order of a state boys swimming meet is impossible. It’s the same as any fantasy “expert” predicting that Gordon Beckham will hit .285 this season with 21 HRs, 85 RBI and an OPS of .850.

But buying into the fantasy is fun, especially if you’re a Wildcats fan. Neuqua is going for its second state boys swim title in two years. Defending champion New Trier has won three titles in the last four years. The Trevians have won 20 state championships and have finished second 19 times.

The state-wide sectional results are predicting big things for Neuqua Valley’s relays. Illinois Top Times’ prediction lists Neuqua with 90 points scored in relays alone, first place for the 200-yard medley relay of Grant Betulius, Kevin Cordes, Brien Gerber and Andrew Bratsos, first for the 400 free of Betulius, Cordes, Gerber and Bratsos and second place for the 200 free of Hans Peters, Robert Vechiola, Betulius and Bratsos.