The Lawrence University swimming and diving teams have been in the pool since mid-October, and are starting to compete in meets as their season begins to heat up. The Vikings, a perennial top team in the Midwest Conference, have their eyes set on the Conference meet at Grinnell in February, but are concentrating on the early season meets right now.
The Vikings have competed in several meets already this season, and it is already looking like another strong year for LU. They have several returning conference champions, and several more who will be making runs for titles this winter.
Most notably on the men’s side are the top three swimmers in the 500-meter freestyle. Junior Adam Kolb and seniors Chris Perry and Chris Sarasin are back to make another run for the top. The trio finished 1-2-3 in the event at the conference meet last winter.
Several other returning men to watch are Steve Vander Naalt, an explosive sophomore, Dave Danenhower, and Nick Heuer, who excel at the backstroke, and diver Van Yang.
The women also have several returnees who will be playing a large role in the success of their team. Meggin Brittain is a sophomore who shined brightly last season in the pool and has already won several events this season for LU. Meredith Claycomb is another swimmer who will be stepping up for LU this season. She fared well as a freshman last winter, and now will become a large piece in the Vikings puzzle. Mara Sarabia is also returning to the potent Viking line-up.
Several freshmen have stepped up already for the women’s team. Jenni Hair won the 400-meter freestyle last week, and on the diving board freshman Sam Heinritz has won events. These two, as well as other freshman on the men’s and women’s side, will hopefully lead LU to success on the road to (and in) Grinnell in February.
Viking swimmers and divers looking for great season
