The men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams swept Colby last Saturday in a dual meet. The men’s team won by a score of 205-119, and the women’s team 187-142.
“[Colby was] stronger than we thought they’d be on paper,” said Head Coach Brad Burnham. “They swam really well in many events, [but] we just had more people who could score some points.”
On the men’s side, John Lagasse ’16 won the 50-yard breaststroke (28.63), Logan House ’17 won the 50-yard butterfly (23.98), and Tim Long ’17 won two freestyle events, the 500 (5:51.77) and the 1,000 (10:08.96). Kevin Koh ’16 won the 100-yard butterfly (52.37) and Chris Granata ’14 took the 200-yard butterfly (56.12).
Andrew Park ’15 was victorious in the 100-yard backstroke (56.12), and Ryan Kulesza ’15 finished first in the 400-yard individual medley (4:12.86), breaking Colby’s pool record for the event.
The men’s team also won the 400-yard freestyle relay (3:15.99), with Linc Rhodes ’14, Peter Deardorff ’15, House and William Shi ’15 making up the winning team.
JR Chansakul ’16 won the 50-yard backstroke (25.84) and 200-yard breaststroke (2:14.71).
“I just went in with a mindset of ‘win by heat,’” Chansakul said. “I thought about the things [Burnham] has been really emphasizing: keep my technique together, race the guys next to me, swim your own race, and stay focused.”
On the women’s side, there were also several first place finishes.
Captain Helen Newton ’14 led the pack, winning three breaststroke events: the 50 (31.65), 100 (1:07.11) and 200-yard (2:30.00). Sophia Walker ’17 won the 50-yard freestyle (24.91) and 100-yard freestyle (55.47).
“Part of what our success can be attributed to is that we all have taken ownership of our races, technique and swimming,” said Newton. “[Burnham’s] coaching has really allowed for that.”
Holly Rudel ’17 finished first in two backstroke events, the 50-yard (28.48) and the 200-yard (2:12.60). Sonia Manssen ’15 won the 1000-yard freestyle (11:30.15).
The women’s team also captured the 400 yard freestyle relay (3:43.60). Walker, Erin Houlihan ’17, Patty Boyer ’15 and Teri Faller ’15 composed the winning group.
Bowdoin’s divers swept the four events, with Christine Anderson ’17 and Tommy Kramer ’15 each winning the one-meter and three-meter competitions.
Burnham was impressed by the contributions of the team’s first years.
“Freshmen can have a very strong impact in the sport of swimming. We are used to it,” said Burnham. “But they have certainly done their part to contribute in the pool, they’re very enthusiastic and got on board with the whole team concept.”
Both Chansakul and Newton echoed Burnham’s sentiments about the first years.
“They’re all incredibly positive and enthusiastic. It’s been awesome to have them as a part of the program. They are such a shining piece of this group,” Newton said.
“A lot of times teams speak about the upperclassmen being the role model for the freshmen, but this year its been both ways,” said Chansakul. “The freshmen have really been a great motivational factor for the upperclassmen.”
Strong leadership and overall team camaraderie have also played an important role for this year’s team, as described by Burnham and multiple swimmers.
This meet marked the last regular meet for the Class of 2014.
“This is a great senior class,” said Chansakul. “And having their last meet at Colby was really emotional.”
The men’s team will travel to Bates this weekend for the Maine Event. The women’s team will stay back and continue prepare for the NESCAC Championships next weekend.