So far this season, the Wooster men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams have compiled drastically different records. Following† its victory over Case Western Reserve University and Oberlin College at last weekend’s Veale Classic, the women’s squad has amassed an impressive 5-0 record. On the other end, the men’s squad has sunk to 0-5 after continued dual-match defeats.
Eighth-year head coach Rob Harrington had a suspicion that the men’s squad would need to overcome the loss of senior talent as well as strong conference opponents to remain competitive this season. “We have a lot of hopefuls, people who show a lot of potential,” Harrington said. “I don’t think you can count us out by any means. I think we can get to a similar position in the conference to where we were last year, but it will take a lot of work to get there. We’re in a rebuilding process.”
Those hopefuls that Harrington mentioned returning from last year’s campaign are Brett Dawson ’11, Adel El-Adawy ’11, and Brendan Horgan ’11. El-Adawy hopes to overcome a shoulder injury and continue his strong performances in individual events. Joining the three seniors is defending North Coast Athletic Conference Diver of the Year, Luke Knezevic ’12.
Knezevic swept the conference titles last season on both the one-meter and three-meter platforms and hopes to continue his conference dominance in his senior campaign. At last weekend’s Veale Classic, the men’s squad fell handedly to Case Western Reserve (180-57). However, they showed drastic signs of improvement the next day before slipping to John Carroll University (122-109).
Although Harrington may feel that the men’s squad will face a rebuilding season, he is very confident in the potential of the women to make a big splash in NCAC play with the hopes of garnering a spot in the NCAA tournament.
“Our big goal is getting back to top-three in the conference again and make some best times. As always, we would like to go to nationals. I think we have a better shot at [that],” Harrington noted.
The women’s undefeated record has been supplemented by continued critical performances by Kate Hunt ’13.
Following her being named NCAC Swimmer of the Week, Hunt went undefeated in the Veale Classic, posting victories in the 50-yard freestyle (24.88), 100-yard freestyle (57.74), and 200-yard butterfly (2:14.94).
Other strong performances included Samira El-Adawy ’13, who finished first in both her races, with victories in the 400 IM (4:50.06) and 200 IM (2:15.76). Also contributing victories in individual events were Priscilla Haug ’12, Mariah McGovern ’14, Adriana Hoak ’14, and Kara Markham ’14.
Both squads hope to score a victory this Saturday, Nov. 20, as they travel to swim against Westminster College. The match starts at 1 p.m.