Lyons looks to bounce back after Barrington

Updated: October 10, 2011 7:18PM

Lyons wasn’t able to win any event at the Barrington Invitational Saturday.

Senior Jennifer Weigand had one way of summing up the meet after finishing fifth in one of her top events, the 500-yard freestyle (5:15.92).

“Today was not a good day,” said Weigand, a La Grange Park resident.

Lyons (224 points) finished fourth in the eight-team meet.

When asked about an individual who was the biggest highlight in the meet, Lyons coach Kurt Johns came up with the name of a JV swimmer.

“Lizzy Everett had some nice drops [in time],” Johns said.

It was that kind of meet for Lyons. Everett, a sophomore, finished third in the JV’s 200-yard freestyle (2:05.14).

The team will get more chances to bounce back in a pair of meets this weekend, the final invitationals of the regular season before it hosts a sectional Nov. 12. Lyons will compete in the Stagg Invitational at 5 p.m. Friday and then in the New Trier Invitational at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Weigand, who competed in three different relays in last year’s state meet, was part of Lyons’ top relay at Barrington as the 400 free relay placed third (3:44.53) with Kristine Rosenberger, Lizzy Kosin and Elly Vitek.

Vitek, Lyons’ lone returning state qualifier as an individual, had the best finishes at Barrington among Lyons individuals with a third place finish in the 100 free (54.80) and 200 free (1:57.05).

In the 100 free, Vitek finished behind Barrington senior Erika Elliott (52.14), who set a new pool record in the event, and Loyola’s Mallory Remick (52.47). Loyola won the meet with 338 points.

There were few dramatic changes in times for most of Lyons’ lineup.

“[Besides Everett], the rest of the girls swam right where they have been all year,” Johns said.

One of Lyons’ top performers was freshman diver Kelly Ryser (287.05), who placed fourth. Junior Maddie Naughton also took fourth in the 100 breast (1:10.88).

The 200 free relay was fifth (1:41.74) with Rosenberger, Louisa Hoffman, Vitek and Weigand.

“The freestyle relays will be solid if we put everything together,” Johns said. “We’ll do well. We’re strong in the 200 and 500 free [for individuals]. The rest of the girls, across the board, all have opportunities to make state cuts.”

Johns is close to ending his first season with Lyons since coming over from Naperville North to replace former coach Scott Walker, who decided to focus on the boys team.

“I coached boys swimming at Naperville North. Working with girls is different,” Johns said. “The team dynamics is good. The girls are receptive; they are nice to be around, which is good.”

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