Jumping right into some tough competition soon after returning from winter break, the Lawrence men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams came out fighting in the Carthage College Triple Dual Meet this past weekend. The Lawrence men defeated UW-Oshkosh and North Central College but lost to Carthage, while the women bested North Central but lost to Oshkosh and Carthage. Coach Kirner was upbeat about the overall performance with it being their first meet after winter break where he had no personal control over their training schedule.
The team was led last weekend by two freshmen, Patrick McCrory and Hayley Vatch, who both put in extraordinary performances. McCrory took first in men’s 50-yard freestyle and Vatch first in the women’s 500-yard freestyle. McCrory was also honored after the weekend’s showing by becoming the Midwest Conference Swimmer of the Week. Coach Kirner professed high hopes for both outstanding freshmen as being conference contenders. Solid performances were also given by freshman Kyle Griffin and top senior sprinter Heather Prochnow.
Coach Kirner said he is happy with the team’s condition at this point, and that when tapering begins in a few weeks “they will be prepared to rest and the training strategy should take effect.” With the conference meet being at home this year the team will be pushing more than ever to be in top form by the end of the season.
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