When a Panther comes to your pool, you usually have to keep your wits about you.

Winhawks host a very tough Rochester Century Team Tuesday Night

After what I am sure was a competitive but “fun” environment last Saturday at the Tiger Relays, things get serious in a hurry. The Rochester Century Panthers come a calling Tuesday night and they are a strong team.

Rochester Century, 1-0 on the season so far, finished 9^th at last years State Championships and there are a number of “Big Show” seasoned swimmers back this year.

The 200 Medley Relay with showcase what the Winhawks are up against. The Winhawks swam a 1:52 at the Tiger Relays and the Panthers have a 1:53 in their first dual meet but I suspect they will be faster Tuesday.

The 200 Freestyle will likely see Century’s Chris Freeman who placed 4^th in this event at last year’s State Championships. Winhawk Juniors Joey Kleinow and Avery Prondzinski can give chance, but this will go to the Panther.

The 200 IM will see Century bring another State Finalist to the blocks, Senior Andrew Grosbach. Winona Cotter Freshman Cal Dretske will very likely set his sights on him but the Panther Consolation Finalist from last year will be a handful.

The 50 Freestyle will likely see Panther swimmers  Robert Real, (13^th at Sections last year) and Dennis Draper (7^th at Sections). Winhawk Sr. Co-Captain Louie La Porta and Junior Alex Kline will give chase and make for a very competitive race.

Diving should be a points windfall for the Winhawks and they will need them.

The 100 Butterfly will bring more Century strength to the blocks. At last week’s Tiger Relays, Panther swimmers John Cima, Andrew Grosbach, and Paul Shriner strung together 3 sub minute 100 Butterflies in the 300 Fly Relay. The Winhawks only had one sub minute 100 fly all last year and he is not swimming this year.If the Winhawks are not careful they will get 1-2-3'ed.

The100 Freestyle saw Panther Chris Freeman go low 49 two weeks ago.  Junior Joey Kleinow and Sr. Co-Captain Louie La Porta will be hot on his feet.

Playing on like a broken record, the 500 Freestyle will very likely see Panther Chris Tri come to the blocks. He placed 12^th in the 500 Free at State last year. Winhawk Freshman Hodd Gorman will be getting an introduction to Big 9 distance swimming.

The 200 Free Relay sees 3 swimmers return from the Panther 18^th place team at State last year, Freeman, Draper and Real. Being their first dual, the Winhawks are still sorting out their 200 Free Relay line-up.

The 100 Backstroke one again, may feature a Panther with State Championship experience. Chris Freeman placed 9^th at State last year in 100 Backstroke. Winhawk Junior Avery Prondzinski and Cotter Freshman Aaron Whyte will give chase and look to upset a tiring Freeman.

The 100 Breaststroke will pit the Panther’s Andrew Grosbach who was 12^th at state last year against Winona Cotter Freshman Cal Dretske.

The 400 Freestyle Relay will befittingly also see Panthers with State experience.  There are 3 returning team members from last year’s 9^th place State Finishers, Draper, Freeman and Tri. The Winhawks may well be out of guns and swimmers after chasing al night.