By Dan Shriner
Review Editor
YPSILANTI ? The 2015 Division 1 boys swimming championships on Saturday at Eastern Michigan University was something of a coming out party for Lake Orion’s Devon Nowicki who established himself as one of the greatest high school swimmers in state history.
The senior Dragon swimmer won two state titles and in the process obliterated the record for the 100 yard breaststroke, beating the old record by nearly two seconds. He also won the state title in the 100 butterfly in 48.92 seconds and had the best 50 freestyle split of the day during the 200 relay.
Nowicki, along with Detroit Catholic Central’s Jack Walsh, who also won two titles on Saturday, were named co-winners of Division 1 Swimmer of the Year.
Nowicki could have likely challenged Walsh in freestyle events but swimmers may compete in only two individual events.
Competing swimmers from throughout the state watched the 100 breaststroke intently and crowded around to see if Nowicki would set a record. Only a week before, he set a new state record of 54.31.
When he bettered his own record with a 53.59 on Saturday, his fellow swimmers and the packed house at Eastern Michigan’s natatorium, went crazy. The prior state record was 55.31 before Nowicki eclipsed it twice in two weeks.
Nowicki, though, showed little emotion, after his record-setting swim, managing a smile. He let out a bit of emotion when he was hugged by Coach John Jess.
‘I was going for the national (high school) record of 53.06,? he said. ‘But, I am pleased with 53.59. The national record was my goal from halfway through the season and I was hoping to get it at states. I just have to work harder.?
Dragon swim fans won’t have to go far to see the results of that extra work. It will start next season at Oakland University, where Nowicki will compete. He already has his sights set on the national collegiate 100 breaststroke record of 50.04.
In prior years, Nowicki’s versatility and ability to compete in all events limited his focus and concentration on a single swim event and stroke. That changed this year with new Lake Orion swimming coach Jess, who Nowicki credited with his development as a breaststroker.
‘He changed my focus and approach,? Nowicki said of Jess. ‘He put more focus on sprinting and not just putting yards in. It was a lot more fun.?
Last season at the state championships, Nowicki didn’t even compete in the breaststroke. This season, the focus on the event paid off.
‘It really means a lot,? he said of the two state titles and the new record. ‘I have been kind of in the shadow. I was getting sixth or seventh last year so it was really cool coming out on top finally and winning.?
Nowicki’s parents are Greg and Lori Nowicki. He has two older brothers, Zachary and Brendan. They were both swimmers but didn’t have their little brother’s speed or success.
Jess said it was nice to hear that Nowicki credited him with his focus and success on the breaststroke but said it was Devon’s drive, hard work and determination that made him great.
‘If Devon wants to give me that credit, that’s nice. But it is all on his ability, drive, his desire and his want,? Jess said. ‘We worked on getting out faster. It helped him get that extra pop to go 54 and then 53 today. It’s all on him. He worked hard and when he puts his mind to it he can do it because he has goals higher than anyone. ?
Jess said Dragon and future Oakland Grizzly fans will be excited to see what Devon may achieve.
‘I know Oakland is very excited to get him. They can work with him, get him on weights and get him stronger.
His time of 53.59 is by far the fastest in state history and is the best in surrounding states in this region. That says a lot about his drive and his ability to get there,? Jess said.
Jess believes that Nowicki can challenge Arizona State’s Kevin Cordes? records, who is considered the top American collegiate breaststroker in recent years. Cordes holds the American collegiate record of 50.04.
‘Devon will build up his strength and when he puts on some muscle he will do it,? Jess said. ‘With him, anything is possible. ?