The Saint

Story by Anna Benstead, Culture Editor

November 17-19 Aquinas’ Men’s and Women’s Swim and Dive teams competed at East Kentwood High School for their mid-season invite. The host team was Davenport University– a Division II school– so one could say the competition was fierce! There were 8 teams overall at the meet with teams from both sides of the state, Ohio and Indiana. Each day consisted of preliminary rounds in the morning and final sessions in the evening. This means that a swimmer only scored points if they placed within the top 16 finishers, although the top 24 swimmers returned to the finals in the evening.

The Men’s team placed fifth overall with 293 points. This outcome is owed in no small part to the 31 personal best times and the 10 new school records set on the men’s side. The Women’s scored seventh with 141 points 32 personal bests and 15 new school records. 

One highlight from the first day was the record-breaking 200 A Medley Relay on the women’s side consisting of Claire Hines, Lauren Mezeske, Chloe Boivin and Amelia Edens with a finishing time of 1:40.56 and the fastest relay split in team history by anchor Edens of 24.34

Other Highlights include the 1650– one mile– where Ella Althaver finished 20th overall at 19:43.07. Lily Heath and Izzy Feltch were quick to follow in 21st and 22nd place respectively. 

Edens continued to impress when Edens finished in 10th during the 200 Individual Medley with a 2:12.70. Fun fact, that is the 6th fastest time in the nation easily gaining her a provisional cut for the national meet this March. She also placed top 10 in the nation with her 100 backstroke time of 58.75. 

On day two Even Bennet finished in 8th place on the 1m diving boards with Troy Borrero not very far behind in 10th. Scoring 376.3 and 355.3 points respectively. 11 dives in total from each of the divers– no easy task. Coach Kristen Hepp commented “This meet showed me we have what it takes to rise to the occasion with both mental and physical toughness!” Something the team has been working on since the beginning of the season. Ashley McNamara also completed 11 dives 1m dives on day three, and scored 339 points, a new school record for the women’s team. 

Back on the Men’s side, the A 200 Medley Relay of Titus Smith, Cesar Robles, Evan Hurtado and Matt Dumbsky beat the school record with a time of 1:35.54, coming in 7th overall.  Immediately behind, the B medley of Ian Clapp, Luke Martin, Collin Neely and Collin Alward finished in 8th. Both teams out- touched their two rival competitors, Bethel University Indiana and Olivet Nazarene’s, A relay teams.

Only halfway done, the team has high goals for the future: “In terms of team goals, we want to be top 2 in our conference and top 10 in the nation overall in the next two years. We have a real opportunity to accomplish those goals for both the men’s and women’s teams this season if every single athlete steps up!” said Coach Hepp. The only thing these two teams can do is take it one day at a time. “We are lucky to be in a sport where you can easily measure your personal improvement each race.” “[We can] improve ourselves every day in training and making great technique a habit so that when we race, it becomes second nature” Hepp continued.

Best of luck at conferences! Go! Saints! Go!