Complete
Results
MIDDLETOWN, CT- The Williams College men's swimming and
diving team was successful in extending one of the most impressive
streaks in recent Eph athletic history with their seventh
consecutive NESCAC title. The Ephs trailed by 66 points after
Day 1, but then rebounded in the event's final two days to claim a
237.5 point victory over Tufts University.
"This was a great meet from a swimming standpoint, but more
importantly was an all around fun weekend," said head coach Steve
Kuster. "Tufts did a great job, but we just swam extremely
well."
This was not the prototypical year for the Ephmen, who had built
a reputation of strong regular season success followed by stellar
championship performances. The 2008-2009 season saw the end
of the Eph's 16 consecutive dual meet victory streak and a squad
that struggled to fill the many gaps left by the class of 2008.
For the first time in several years, the Ephmen entered the
NESCAC championships with more question marks than great
expectations, and struggles on Day 1 did little to ease the doubts.
However, with their backs against the wall, the Ephmen responded
with an effort that mirrored those of the past six seasons and
turned a daunting deficit into a thrilling championship run.
On the NESCAC championships final day, the Ephs added two more
individual event championships and did not allow any other team to
catch them atop the leader board.
"The biggest key was that our guys calmed down after Day 1,"
said Kuster. "They swam surprisingly more relaxed when they
were down 66 points and it turned out to be a pretty impressive
two-day turnaround."
The most impressive performance on Day 3 was the 200 yard
butterfly, where senior Norman Scott set the meet record (1:49.41),
and first year Stuart Hogan (1:53.21) and senior Tim Ryan (1:53.40)
claimed the third and fourth spots to give the Ephs an impressive
event point total.
Also strong for the Ephs was senior Tyler Bonewell, who claimed
his third title in as many days with the top time in the 200 yard
breaststroke (2:03.33). Rounding out the day's top
performances was sophomore Gary Roberson who grabbed second in the
1650 yard freestyle.
"Tonight was just the icing, as the real championship was won in
the morning session," said Kuster. "The guys removed any
doubt as many of our swimmers qualified for the finals session."
In recognition of his three conference records and four
individual titles, Scott was named the swimmer of the meet.
The Ephs claimed two other major awards, as Bonewell was named the
four year high point total award winner, and Kuster grabbed coach
of the meet honors.
"Our senior class did a great job in terms of strong swims and
leadership, but our freshman and everyone in between stepped it up
and made this one of our most hard fought and special
championships," said Kuster.
Next up for the Ephmen is extensive practice and preparation, as
they attempt to best last year's fifth place finish at the NCAA
Championships to be held later this month in
Minnesota.
