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SPRINGFIELD — For Catholic Central senior swimmer Brent Hitchcock, it's all about tradition.

He's well aware that he has a chance to duplicate the feat that

former Irish standout John Kevin Koehler accomplished, winning two state titles as a senior — and in the same two events, no less.

Hitchcock will go into the state tournament today, Feb. 22, in Canton with the top time in the state in the 500-yard freestyle and the third-best time in the 200 free.

He'll also go in with a certain amount of awe — and a ton of drive.

"Ever since freshman year, that's what I've been working towards," Hitchcock admitted.

He'll not only be looking for state titles, but for state and school records as well.

"It's always fun to go out there and try to break some records," he said. "(Koehler) was on my high school and club teams, so his name is everywhere. It's kind of fun to try to erase his name, and make a name for myself.

"I have (broken some Koehler records) in club, but in high school, I haven't knocked any down yet. I hope to this weekend."

However, unlike many of his competitors, he will not be tapered this weekend.

"I'm not resting at all for this meet," said Hitchcock. "I'm going in to see if I can hit my best times not rested, then I can tell where I'll be at for nationals next month.

"Whatever I'm doing now should set the bar for next month."

He won't be thinking about next month's Junior Olympics much, though.

"I'm more excited for high school," Hitchcock said. "I like it because I get to take more of a laid back approach as opposed to club swimming.

"I grew up swimming with a lot of the kids who are going to state this weekend. It's fun to go to meets with them. It brings back old memories."

Central coach Steve Neely says his Irish are ready.

"We're looking forward to the weekend," he said. "I think Brent and Pat McHugh both have good shots in their events.

They are swimming really well right now. There were some really fast times turned in around the state, so it's going to be fun to watch."

McHugh, a junior, is a qualifier in two events as well — the 50 free and 100 backstroke — and will swim with Hitchcock, Anders Samuelson and Pat Greitzer in the 200 medley relay.

"It's a sport of one-hundreths of a second, especially in Pat's events," said Neely. "If everything comes together, he certainly is capable of finishing very, very high.

"Pat's only a junior, and he's going in seeded just about how Brent was last year. They are both pretty excited about possibly following in John Kevin's footsteps."

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0364

or krowe@coxohio.com.

State qualifiers

BOYS: Catholic Central — Brent Hitchcock, 500 free, 200 free; Patrick McHugh, 50 free, 100 backstroke; 200 medley relay (Hitchcock, McHugh, Anders Samuelson, Pat Greitzer).

GIRLS (Division II): Kenton Ridge — Lauren Funk, 50 free, 100 free; Catholic Central — Paige Smith, 100 breaststroke.