Benedict keeps focused for Hornets

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Hinsdale South's Matthew Dejewski competes in the 200-yard freestyle, during the Hinsdale South College Events Swim Meet. | Steve Johnston~for Sun-Times Media

Updated: February 20, 2012 9:11AM

Final exams week is a tough time for normal students. For athletes expected to practice twice a day, keeping a routine can be a little tougher with exams to worry about.

Senior Michael Benedict, one-of-three captains for Hinsdale South, has learned to adjust over exam week while keeping focused on his training for the 200-yard individual medley, 100 breaststroke and relays in the 200 free and 200 medley.

“There is a lighter practice schedule (this week),” said Benedict, a Darien resident. “We have the same amount of swimming. It’s 2 1/2 hours after school and 1 1/2 hours before school. With finals, it’s OK if you can’t make it here or there. Coach (Frank Kuchta) knows academics comes first.”

Exams end Thursday, but with students taking a day off for Teacher’s Institute Day on Friday, the Hornets will only practice once that day.

Hinsdale South will compete in the second of three consecutive major meets this weekend with the Lockport Invitational at 9 a.m. Saturday. The Hornets were in the Sandburg Invitational Jan. 14 and will compete in the Lyons Township Invitational at 1 p.m. Jan. 28.

Hinsdale South is the favorite to win the West Suburban Gold meet Feb. 4 at Downers Grove South.

“I did my normal times (at Sandburg),” Benedict said. “I did not swim my season-best time. I did not break any of them.”

Benedict has added a role this season as a tri-captain with diver Riley Maher and swimmer Nathan Onchuck.

“They are among my good friends,” Benedict said. “I have been swimming with them since I was little.”

The Hornets will hold Senior Night Jan. 27 against Morton for the team’s final home meet of the season. Benedict still remembers watching his first Senior Night as a freshman. His sophomore brother, Nick, is swimming with Michael for the first time as members of the varsity squad.

“I can still remember Senior Night, our last home conference meet,” Benedict said. “We will walk with our parents along the pool deck and we get to say a few words to the freshmen.”

In Benedict’s case, that final salute will involve his father Daniel and his mother Mary. Another older brother, Tim, graduated from Hinsdale South in 2011, but did not compete in swimming.

Michael has been accepted to Purdue and Illinois. He would like to study electrical engineering. His last high school meet will end his competitive swimming career.

“It’s definitely good having Nick at all the same meets,” Michael said. “We are with each other more between practices, school and home.”