By Lisa Stukel, Contributing Writer
Team: Algonquin Regional High School varsity swim team (sophomore)
Individual stats: 500-meter free (4:57.83), 200 free (1:51.58), 200 individual medley (IM) (2:07.28), 200 medley relay (school record), 400 free relay, school and league record (50.24 split). This past weekend at Central/South Sectionals, Drew broke his 200 IM record (2.04.29), and 500 free (4.53.98).
Coach: Jean Fedak
Drew, Coach Fedak mentioned that you show leadership in and out of the pool. How do you feel you show leadership?
“I like to be a leader to put people in other positions. I feel like I have a good work ethic and work hard at practice. I like to see other people improve – it's good for them, as well as the team.”
When did you start swimming?
“I joined a rec team when I was 7 years old and I started competing when I was 9. When I was younger, I only swam one stroke. I loved to swim freestyle. When I got older, I focused on swimming other strokes as well. All of my siblings and my mom used to swim.”
Who has influenced you the most in swimming?
“I would say that my parents and my sister have influenced me the most in swimming. My parents have always been very supportive of me and my swimming. My sister convinced me to swim in high school and she comes to all of my meets.”
What is your most memorable moment?
“Probably when I broke 5 minutes in the 500-m freestyle at Leagues this year. It was an amazing feeling.”
Do you have a pre-race strategy?
“I try to think about the race and what I want to accomplish. I try not to think about the pressure, and push it away from me.”
How do you manage sports and academics?
“I always put homework first before swimming. I think that participating in sports helps you to manage your time. You know that you have a certain amount of time to get your work done. I get my home work done before I go to practice.”
Do you have any advice for younger student athletes?
“To push themselves if they want to see improvements. If they want to become really fast, they need to put every ounce of effort they have into every practice and at every meet.”
What are your goals for this season?
“I would like to break the 200 IM record and place in the top 10 for States.” [Drew accomplished this goal Feb. 12 at the Central/South Sectionals.]
Are there any new, innovative swim gear that helps swimmers go faster?
“We have fast-suits that reduce the amount of drag in the water and hydro-organic swim goggles. The goggles help reduce the amount of fog and cuts off time. When goggles don's fog, they help you to see better in the water.”
What are your plans for next year?
“I plan to continue swimming for Algonquin and to train year-round.”