MUNSTER | Although he's only a freshman, Highland's Chris Dabrowski has already stepped up in a big way for the Times No. 2 Trojans.

Dabrowski was part of Highland's first place 800-yard freestyle relay team, which swam the event in 7:52.30. The Trojans recorded 124 team points and five wins to capture the white division of the Munster Relays.

"I feel really good, but I know I'm not going to be doing my best until midseason," Dabrowski said. "Who knows what could happen?"

If Saturday was any indication, the Trojans could prove themselves to be one of the best teams in the area, if not the state. The 124 points was the top score at the meet, as Munster compiled 122 to win the red division. However, Highland coach Ryan Harrington downplayed the significance of this performance.

"There's been a lot in the paper lately, which is a positive," he said. "In reality, this team hasn't done anything yet. Overall, this was a team performance. Everybody did their part."

While many of the events aren't in regular meets, the Trojans still had their toughest competition of the young season.

"It gives us a little bit of confidence that we can go out there and race, but it's so early in the season we aren't sure where we're at," Harrington said.

Munster freshman Joey Gardner also stepped up for the No. 4 Mustangs, helping them win three events to pull away from Crown Point late in the meet.

"At first, I was tired but I had enough time in between relays to cool down a bit," Gardner said. "I think our team is still good enough to win sectionals."

Munster lost a ton of manpower from last season, but coach Matt Pavlovich was impressed with his team's ability to still swim a strong meet this early in the season.

"They stepped up and rose to the challenge, and I was pleased with that," he said. "Winning diving was a great start to the meet. I'm really pleased overall. It was a great meet and I'm looking forward to moving on with a couple dual meets next week (Kankakee Valley and Valparaiso)."

Valpo was the top Porter County finisher with 120 points, winning three events.