Versatile San Gabino bounces back for Maine South
By MATT HARNESS mharness@pioneerlocal.com January 17, 2012 11:30AM
Maine South's Daniel San Gabino swims in breast stroke in the the 200 Yard Individual Medley against Evanston on Jan. 13, 2012, in Park Ridge. | Rob Hart~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: February 20, 2012 9:01AM
Dan San Gabino had a forgettable end to his junior season.
Illness cut his campaign short last year, but San Gabino now is stronger than ever and one of the top swimmers at Maine South.
“He has bounced back nicely this year,” said Maine South coach Don Kura. “He’s in great shape and has had a good year with practice. As a result, he’s faster in the meets.”
Kura still is figuring out which events San Gabino will compete during the postseason, but the senior set personal-bests this year in multiple events, including the 200-yard IM, 100 backstroke, 100 butterfly and 100 breaststroke. San Gabino also has the ability to swim freestyle events.
“It seems everything I put him in, he gets a lifetime-best,” Kura said. “The guys really are swimming well. These guys show up and get down to business.”
Kura also has been impressed by Michael Zadlo, Matthew Kramer, Tom Larocca and Makai DeNeve-Arnam.
DeNeve-Arnam was the only Hawk to win an event in Friday’s 128-54 loss to Evanston. The sophomore finished first in the 50 free (23.48).
“He’s really started to swim well in the sprints,” Kura said. “He’s a big kid, and he’s fast.”
Kura has been moving his swimmers around to keep them interested and fresh. Even the relays have been a work in progress.
“We don’t have a superstar this year,” said Kura, who was blessed in the past with Andrew Salomon and Jared DeGrazia on board. “The relays are an experiment right now. It will be a group effort.”
The Hawks totaled 30 points and placed 10th at Sandburg’s invitational on Saturday. The host Eagles won with 318 points.
Maine South takes on Niles West in a CSL South dual meet Friday. The Hawks are 1-1 in the conference, while the Wolves are 0-2.
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