The Colorado College swimming and diving team hosted their first meet of the season on Saturday afternoon against Division II Western State Colorado University. The Tigers had an impressive start with fast early-season times across the board. “We had a great performance by both teams, particularly considering we have only been in season a month,” said Assistant Coach Franco Pacheco.
With regards to the remainder of the season, the team is highly optimistic. “I am really excited for this season, the team is looking really strong and have been training really hard,” said sophomore Emily Harrison, who placed second in two distance events at conference last year.
Western State lacks a men’s team, which left the male Tigers to swim against a point system. However, this did not stop the Tigers from a phenomenal performance in Schlessman. Strong performances from junior Crane Sarris, captain, and freshman Ethan Schick bode well for the Tigers.
Sarris swam lights out in the freestyle events, achieving a time of 22.66 in the 50-meter free. Schick was close behind with 22.82 seconds and also delivered an impressive personal best of 54.96 in the 100-meter fly. With numerous early season improvements, the men are looking forward to future meets. “I’m definitely very excited,” said sophomore Trey Watmore. “Practices have been going very well for me and the team in general.”
Stiff DII competition pushed the lady Tigers to fast times. Senior Olivia Dilorati, sophomore Ellen Silk, and sophomore Mary Rose Donahue were all double winners. Dilorati in the 200-medley and 200-meter back, Silk in the 200-medley and 100-meter butterfly, Donahue in the one-meter and three-meter diving. Hannah Cooper also chipped in a strong 200-meter back performance, finishing in 2:19.20. “Hannah Cooper really stood out to me on Saturday,” said head coach Anne James. “She has been doing great things in practice so far this season, and was able to translate that into great competition performances.”
Sophomore Justina Zuckerman, senior Megan Gillespie, Dilorati, and Silk posted the fastest time in the conference for the women’s 200-medley relay in 151.87. “Each swimmer in the 200-medley relay has the opportunity to compete at the national level,” stated Pacheco.
NCAA nationals are in reach for a number of the Tigers this year. “This year we are hoping to get some relays and individuals to NCAA, and after this first meet our relays and swimmers are looking very strong,” said Harrison.
The Class of 2019 is bringing depth to the CC swimming and diving program this year. There are five men and seven women joining the team this season. They are a vital element of the team and the upperclassmen are excited to have them. “The first years are a great group and bring a lot of great energy and unique skill sets to the team,” said Watmore.
CC swimming and diving head to sea level in Texas over third block break to face off against conference opponents Southwestern University and Austin College.