Morgan ‘psyched’ to be back in Loyola pool

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Loyola's Blake Morgan in the 100 breastroke at the Wildkit Invitational at Evanston Township on January 6, 2012. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

Updated: February 20, 2012 8:46AM

Blake Morgan fits right in at Loyola Academy.

Known for his work ethic, the junior is a motivator for the Ramblers — and, in turn, is motivated by them.

After sitting out last season because of IHSA transfer rules, Morgan is thrilled to be back in the pool and competing again.

“It was a little frustrating last year,” said Morgan, who swam at Evanston as a freshman and trains in the offseason with the YWCA’s Flying Fish. “It was fun to watch them at the state meet. It really got me psyched up for this season. Swimming with the team has been great.”

Morgan may be the team’s second-best swimmer behind junior Andrew Jovanovic, a two-time state champion. Morgan spreads his time among the 100-yard breaststroke, 200 IM and 500 freestyle. He’s also a candidate to swim on two relays at state.

“Everything is a little up in the air right now,” said Morgan, who competed in the breaststroke and distance freestyle at the state meet as a freshman.

During New Trier’s relays meet on Saturday, Morgan finished second in the 100 breaststroke (1:01.25) and eighth in the 500 free (4:54.89). Two weeks prior, Morgan won the 100 breaststroke (1:01.03) at Evanston’s invitational. One of his best races in the breaststroke came when he finished in 1:00.77 on Dec. 17.

“Those were really good swims,” Morgan said of his recent races. “The 500 was rough at New Trier, but I was happy with the meet, in general.”

Morgan points to practice as the main reason he’s been successful this season.

“It’s a great training group,” he said. “Just keeping up with them is a lot of work.”

Morgan, especially, credits his workouts with Jovanovic.

“It’s a pleasure to swim with him and just to be around him,” Morgan said. “He’s such an excellent athlete. He has helped me so much with my mentality. He’s helped the whole team. He has such a positive mind-set, and he’s very focused.”

Loyola competes against Fenwick on Friday.