Both the men and women swim and dive teams claimed victory over Alma College on Friday, Oct. 12 at home. This was the Cardinals’ first meet of the year.
The women’s team outswam the Scots, ending the day with a 191-32 score.
Freshman Sidney Shipps fared well in her first collegiate meet, placing first overall in the 1,000-yard freestyle, clocking 10:44.76. Shipps also took first on the 400 freestyle relay team, helping senior Amanda Thielen, senior Alexandra Davis and freshman Hailey Stewart reach a time of 3:44.58. Davis placed first individually in both her 200 free and 500 free contests, with times of 1:57.30 and 5:15.45, respectively.
Shipps credits the coaching staff with much of the day’s success.
“They have worked hard to prepare us for these next few weeks of meets, and they are the reason for such a successful first meet,” Shipps said.
She went on to highlight the importance of this first victory against the Scots.
“I think the meet, overall, gives us a lot of confidence going into the upcoming weeks,” Shipps said. “We are looking to continue a winning trend, and I cannot wait to compete with my team again.”
Junior Alexa Bloom also placed well, claiming first places in the 50 free with a time of 24.52 and the 200 butterfly with a time of 2:12.54.
The men defeated the Scots with a wide margin as well, 170-29.
Freshman Tyler Overmyer had a strong first meet, swimming well enough for a time of 2:03.28 to win the 200 backstroke. He was also on the first place 400-yard medley relay along with sophomore Sanders Modglin, senior Michael Spears and freshman Cameron Whitfield.
Junior Connor Henning had a solid season-opener, posting times of 2:03.24 and 2:00.22 in the 200 individual medley and 200 fly, taking first in both.
Henning looked forward to a successful season for the Cardinals.
“We have an impressive roster, the largest in team history,” Henning said. “And we have a depth of talent that I think, if we keep to the grind, will absolutely have a successful season.”
The Cardinals will travel to Kalamazoo College on Saturday, Oct. 20 for their next meeting. The competition kicks off at 2 p.m.
