By Matthew Purucker · News Editor
Despite competing in unfamiliar events, the Grove City men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams had little difficulty defeating Washington & Jefferson in a PAC dual meet in James E. Longnecker Pool on Saturday.
The women’s team swept all 16 events in a 209-63 rout that showcased the versatility of Wolverine swimmers. Freshman Chaeli Keenan, sophomore Marideth Hull, freshman Mollie Massella and freshman Abigail Vance each won two events.
“For the women, we’re excited for their potential, but also are not sure how to set our expectations, as we have a very young team,” Coach Dave Fritz said, highlighting upperclassmen Sadie Shofestall, Ellie Webster, Freja Kile and underclassmen Abigail and Addison Vance, Massella and Abby Tweed.
Freshman Mary Anne Altman took first in the 100-yard freestyle with a 56.39-second finish.
“When approaching the 100 free, I usually try to think about kicking off my walls because that’s one of my weak points,” Altman said. “I also try to get into a good headspace, since swimming is really a mental race more so than a physical one.”
As part of the changes for the meet, the teams altered their typical relay combinations to try to finish first through fourth place in the relays, succeeding in three of the four events.
“There was nothing significant about sweeping the women’s meet — I was actually disappointed that W&J didn’t put their best female in one of her best events so she could provide at least one good race — but I liked that both teams gave a good effort in the face of minimal challenge,” Fritz said.
On the men’s side, the Wolverines’ 169-122 victory was a touch closer in competitiveness. Juniors Bryce Pope and Owen Hancock and sophomore Aidan McCarthy won in two events.
Fritz emphasized that out-of-conference meets against teams like SUNY Geneseo, University of Rochester, Carnegie Mellon, Calvin University, Ashland University and Penn West Clarion have allowed the teams to compete against challenging opponents, gaining experience to prepare for the end of the season.
“The biggest challenge at this point is maintaining our focus and discipline as we prepare for and compete in the conference championships,” Fritz said. “We’re hoping that going against tougher competition outside of the conference schools will provide additional motivation to swim fast with minimal challenge at the PAC championships so that our swimmers and divers can achieve their potential.
“The highlight of the meet against W&J this past Saturday was the induction of four alumni into our Swimming and Diving Hall of Fame. … The event was a great opportunity for our team to connect with our past and celebrate our tradition of excellence and long-lasting team culture,” Fritz said.
The inducted alumni were Rob Frey ’75, Jenna (Richert) Foster ’12, Megan (Bilko) Hoyson ’16 and Anne Shirley (Dassow) Hoselton ’20, each of whom set impressive records, achieved outstanding victories and earned the All-American title.
With conference play ending, the focus for the men turns to senior Caleb Einolf and the 200-yard relay teams.
“Einolf is currently ranked third in the nation in the 100-yard breaststroke and will be invited to the NCAA Championships,” Fritz said. “We believe that our men’s 200 medley relay of Owen Hancock, Bryce Pope, Einolf and Nathan Beukema, which is currently ranked ninth in the nation, should also be invited to the championships. And freshman George Witte should be able to join Einolf, Hancock and Beukema at NCAAs on the 200 Free Relay.”
For results for all events, visit the Grove City College Athletics website (athletics.gcc.edu).
“Based on our successful mid-season meet at Wheaton in December, the percentage improvement we typically experience from that meet to the conference championships, and how well the upperclassmen have been doing compared to recent seasons, we feel the team will post a lot of lifetime best times and new school and conference records in the coming weeks,” Fritz said.
