With only eight returning varsity members, the Oak Park and River Forest High School boys swimming and diving team is rebuilding this season. But head coach Clyde Lundgren is eager to gauge the new mix.
“I’m excited to see how the season goes,” said Lundgren, who has been with the program since 1998. “The boys have had a strong fall and so far have impressed me with their work ethic and grit.”
Senior Will Keyes is a returning state qualifier for OPRF. Last season, he was part of the Huskies’ 200 and 400 freestyle relays that earned All-American honors. OPRF’s other varsity returnees include seniors Andrew Harmon in the 500 freestyle and Lucas Puntillo in the 100 butterfly. Top newcomers are sophomores Alfonso Cides, Justin Dairyko, Connor Harmon and Ben Mellman; juniors Charlie Beyer, Francesco Canzona, Dominic Kramer, and Yuri Rogachev; and seniors JT Cruz and Charlie Scott.
Among the schedule highlights for the Huskies this season are the Downers Grove South Invitational, Dec. 21, and the Lyons Township Invitational, Feb. 1. When it comes to the West Suburban Silver title race, Lundgren says Hinsdale Central “is always a force to be reckoned with. Our goal is always the same: try to get many personal bests and get as many relays and individuals to state as possible.”
OPRF opened the season with a dual at Fenwick, Dec. 10 (after press time).
Hasso gets award
OPRF boys track and field head coach Tim Hasso was recently named Illinois Track and Cross-Country Coaches Association Class 3A Coach of the Year. He will receive his award at a ceremony to be held at the Eaglewood Resort in Itasca, Jan. 10.
Hasso, head coach since 2005, led the Huskies to a share of the 2024 IHSA Class 3A team title, the program’s first since 1987.
OPRF football
The OPRF football team had three players named to the All-West Suburban Silver Team: sophomore running back Liam Smith, junior quarterback Johnny Nelson, and senior wingback/linebacker Jake Karnick.
Moreover, eighteen Huskies received WSC Silver All-Academic Honors: Karnick, Peter Kelly, Everett McCreary, Rashad Smith, Marshall Cronin, Owen Watson, Charles Brandon, CJ Robinson, Eric Guerrier, Cole Deuce, Mykah Riley, Joaquin Hernandez-Pecoraro, Matt Winkelhake, Emmett Kennedy, Hugh Vanek, Wade Rebb, Joey Elza, and Ben Martin.
The following players won team awards:
- Gary Olson Award: Nelson
- Most Valuable Player and Deadpool Award: Karnick
- Offensive Most Valuable Player: Smith
- Defensive Most Valuable Player: Vanek
- Lineman of the Year: Robinson
- Game Changer: Mikee Vielehr
- Lunch Pail Award: Elza
