Boys State Swimming: Hinsdale South Standout Looks to Add to Already Impressive Career

Hinsdale South senior swimmer Sebastian Ostrowski had extra motivation to do well at the Downers Grove North Sectional Saturday.

Former high school teammate Daniel Jung was in attendance to watch him and the Hornets.

Jung was a three-time All-American at Hinsdale South where he collected nine state medals before two successful seasons at Purdue University.

“I’ve been swimming with Daniel for a while and have been very competitive with him,” Ostrowski said. “I always tell him I’m going to beat his (100-yard backstroke) record and he tells me to go for it. Finally, this year I got my chance and did it.”

Like his friend, Ostrowski has certainly made a name for himself at Hinsdale South.

He broke Jung’s previous school record in the 100 backstroke with his first-place performance (51.48 seconds) Saturday, which also established a new pool record at Downers North. More importantly, Ostrowski is headed back to the state meet Friday and Saturday at New Trier High School in Winnetka for the third time.

Ostrowski also placed first in the 200 individual medley (1:56.45) to qualify for state in two events for the second year in a row.

“I’m excited for him. He had two great swims,” Hinsdale South coach Frank Kuchta said. “He’s made huge progress since his freshman year. He’s been a real joy to work with. He’s a hard worker and he’s going to be one to watch in the future.”

Ostrowski became the program’s fourth state medalist in the 100 backstroke last season when he placed 12^th after finishing 31^st as a sophomore and now looks to join Jung as the only swimmer in program history to earn more than one medal in the backstroke.

Ostrowski owns the fastest sectional time in the state, ahead of Kaneland’s Grant Alef (51.73).

Hinsdale South’s best individual state finish in the 100 backstroke was third by Mike Hemenway in 1986 and Bob Hamer in 1973. Jung’s best individual state finish was fourth in the 100 backstroke in 2007.

Ostrowski is not fully rested or shaved and is hoping to break 50 seconds at state. Last season, Neuqua Valley graduate Grant Betulius took first in the event with a time of 49.64.

Ostrowski’s progress through the years is not lost on him.

“I started out swimming freshman year with a really bad flu,” he said. “I missed the first couple weeks of swimming, but came back and got started in training and never stopped from there. I’ve always done swimming to keep in shape. I’m really happy with how I’ve improved and I can’t wait for state.”

Ostrowski feels he also has some unfinished business in the 200 IM, an event that has grown on him.

He was disqualified in the 200 IM during the state preliminary heat last year when an official ruled he had a ‘rolling’ start off the block.

“It wasn’t my favorite event, but I grew to like it,” said Ostrowski, who posted the 11^th-fastest sectional time in the event. “I’m hoping to get some revenge from last year and see what I can do.”