Graduation losses have forced Chesterton junior swimmer Tyler Fokzos to take an advanced leadership role on the squad this season.

A look at Fozkos' performances at the IHSAA state finals the last two years prove he might be able to handle the situation.

Fozkos played a prominent part in the Trojans' back-to-back state team titles. He swam the anchor leg in record-setting wins in the 200-yard medley relay the last two years. As a freshman, he swam the lead leg for the victorious 200 free relay squad. As a sophomore, he won the 50 free title.

The most telling test of his mettle came in last year's 200 free relay. The Trojans were in sixth place as Fozkos started his anchor leg. His event-fastest 20.02-second split helped the Trojans leap up to second.

"The (200 free relay leg) showed I could handle the pressure," Fozkos said. "That definitely proved that I could take a leadership role.

"Two weeks later, we watched the state finals on film. Even though I knew the result of that race, I started getting goose bumps as it came to my leg. I could still feel the excitement."

Last year's state meet was a key factor in Fozkos' development. As a freshman, he was under the weather leading up to the state meet. Last year, he was fully healthy and impressive in the pool.

"I think he felt like he was robbed as a freshman," Chesterton coach Kevin Kinel said of Fozkos, who finished third in the 100 free last year. "He felt like he had something to prove.

"Every year has its own challenges, and I believe he can step up."

Major Division I college swimmers Sean Swibes (Iowa) and Albert Miller (Purdue) graduated two years ago. Bill Bass (Notre Dame) graduated this past summer, leaving a leadership void on the squad.

"There's definitely a lot more pressure on my shoulders as an upperclassman," Fozkos said. "The coaches expect me to push the younger guys. It might be a little more weight, but I'm still having a lot of fun."

Part of that enjoyment stems from competing with nine-time state champion and senior teammate Kyle Whitaker, who recently committed to Michigan.

"Every day when I train with Kyle, I'm definitely challenged," Fozkos said. "It motivates me to strive to swim at the next level (college)."

College has been a point of discussion since Fozkos was a freshman.

"I now have to sit down and think more seriously about it," he said. "After Kyle signed, I started to realize that I need to impress colleges this year."

Those dreams won't overshadow Fozkos' responsibilities to his teammates.

"I definitely want to repeat as a state champion in the 50, but it's just not about (individual) wins or breaking records," Fozkos said. "I want to help our team fill in the holes. Our biggest goal is to win as a team, and I want to do whatever I can to help."

BOYS SWIMMING | SEASON PREVIEW

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Kankakee Valley's John Rawlings Jr. leads Kougars in the pool. Read the story at nwi.com/sports.